We’ve Got Rhythm

In this activity, educators will show examples of Afrofuturistic art works. Then, students will create rhythms using body percussion inspired by the artwork and engage in call-and-response games with the class.

Materials Needed: Printed handout on page 2 of pdf

1. Tell students that they are going to create a rhythm, and then lead them in a call-and-response rhythm circle!
2. Divide the class into four small groups and give each group the handout on the next page, which features four different pieces of Afrofuturistic artwork.
3. Invite each group to choose a painting from the page that they are inspired by. Have each group generate a list of words to describe their selected painting by asking them:
   • What do you feel when you examine this image?
   • What colors do you see?
   • What emotions do you feel when you look at this image?
   • What song or type of music does this painting evoke or inspire?
4. Tell each group to work together to create a rhythm, using only their bodies, that conveys the mood and feel of their chosen piece of art.
5. Once they’ve got their rhythm down, have each group choose a sound pattern as a call-and-response.
6. Ask for a volunteer in each group to be their leader, who will use the sound pattern, like a chant or verbal cue to facilitate a call-and-response with their classmates.
7. Have each group present what they have created with the rest of the class. As each group leader calls out to the class with their sounds, the class then responds by repeating those same sounds, which ignites the rhythmic sounds of the presenting group. Repeat until each group has shared their rhythmic pattern.
8. As a culminating event, have the groups create a circle around the room. Stand in the middle, taking on the role of conductor. Point to different groups at various intervals to have them share, sometimes sharing on their own and other times overlapping with others. This will effectively create a body percussion band and sounds, bringing Afrofuturistic art to life right in your very own classroom!

Reflection Questions:

• What were some of your favorite moments from today’s activity?
• What was it like to create rhythm based on visual art?
• What was it like to collaborate with your peers to create a rhythmic work of art?
• What was challenging about this activity?
• What was fun about this activity?