This activity is aimed towards students grade 7-9. As a class, students will listen to a popular song played by the teacher. Students will be asked to play along to any part of the song (singing, tapping a beat, humming, tapping) while sitting in their seats. Every so often, the teacher will yell “switch” meaning they have to change up what they are singing along to, and what their instruments are. This will create a cacophony of sound and an open space for students to begin improvising. Ask students to jot a note of one or two parts they liked from the song, as this will help with the next step

In groups, students will be asked create a cover/soundscape that incorporates elements of the original song, but also adds elements of their own. Students should be able to point out at least 3 ways that their remix is different from the original.  They will be given 5 minutes to create their cover. The cover should have at least two distinct sections/follow an AB or ABA form, should have a steady pulse, and should be about a minute long.  Instruments, voices, and body percussion, are all allowed, permitted by the teacher. 

Provide students with 45 seconds - 1 minute to do a “Chaos Rehearsal”/run through of their piece. Having everyone doing a mock performance at the same time allows students to practise performing with little pressure.