'Bird' is a simple melodic motif 8 beats long. It falls naturally into two sections of four beats each. The second half will be used as a space for improvisation, while the first should be played with precision, either vocally or on instruments.

I FORM a circle. Sing the whole tune to everyone, and tell them to join in when they think they can repeat it.

II ONCE the group as a whole has mastered the tune, each person should sing it in turn. Co around the group, maintaining a steady pulse.

III THE next step is to sing the melody as a round: the first person sings the motif and carries on repeating it. The second person enters, singing the melody, on the fourth beat of the first person's tune. The third person takes the second person's melody as a cue, and enters on their fourth beat. Continue in this way until everyone is playing or singing the tune.

IV IT may help if someone accents the 1st of every group of 3 beats, marking each person's entry. The piece can be played by any number of people, but if there are more than eight, some of the parts will be doubled. The ninth person will enter with the first person, at the beginning of their fourth phrase; the tenth will double the second person's part, and so on.

V WHEN people feel confident, rather than playing beats 5 - 8 as written, they may improvise in that space instead.

VI AT any stage during the piece, people can play the motif on their instruments rather than singing it. Here are two rhythmic versions for percussion players and drummers :

PERCUSSION

ALTERNATIVE VERSION FOR PERCUSSION.

POINTS TO WATCH

The round (point III) can be practised by telling everyone to sing or play the tune, say four times through. You can then check that everyone is keeping their place rhythmically by hearing when they finish - each person's phrase will end three beats after the person before them. Some people may have difficulty with this piece, as it involves playing a specific tune precisely. Don't allow the notes of the melody to become a stumbling block - it is more important to hold the rhythm and keep your place. Independence is the most important consideration. If hearing the other members of the group puts you off, try not to listen to them - just keep your part going, and maintain a steady beat. When more confident with your part, try listening to them again!