BC MOEST - Fine Arts K-7

Fine Arts K-7: Glossary and Approaches to Instruction

notation

In dance, any written or visual record of choreography. Although standard dance notation systems exist, they are usually too complex for students at this level. Invented notation for dance could take the form of computer notation, animation, sculpting, symbols and colours, flip books, and so on.
In music, any written or visual form of representing music compositions. Invented notation refers to any system of representation constructed to meet the unique requirements of a particular composer or piece of music; may be diagrammatic, descriptive, narrative, pictorial, tactile, or a combination of any of these. Details may be precise or general in nature. Electronic technology may be used to create unique notation systems. Standard notation refers to the system that uses the five-line staff and oval noteheads with stems placed on the staff to represent specific pitches and rhythms.

observation An instructional strategy for developing co-operation and observation skills. Students form pairs, facing each other. Each observes the appearance of the other. Student A turns away while student B changes something about her or his appearance. Student A turns back and tries to determine what the change was. An observation strategy can also be used as a listening activity, in which student B changes something about a known song; or a dance exploration activity, in which student B changes a step or one of the elements of movement.

open and closed positions In mime, open and closed body positions are the two extreme contrasts to the neutral body position. In neutral position, the body elements are balanced and make a minimal dramatic statement. In open position, all the elements of the body are open. This position frequently represents an emotional attitude as well as a physical state. The closed position is the opposite--the emotional attitude and all elements of the body are closed.

Orff instruments A set of barred instruments (glockenspiels, metallophones, and xylophones) for teaching music.

ostinato A rhythmic or melodic pattern that is repeated persistently throughout a composition. An ostinato may be sung, played, or performed through body percussion or movement. The plural of ostinato is ostinati.

pass the melody An instructional strategy for composing or practising melodies. Students sit in a circle. One person starts a known song and, when he or she chooses, passes the melody to the next person, using a signal to indicate the change (e.g., squeezing hand, tapping shoulder). This continues around the circle until the song is finished. If necessary, the process can be repeated to ensure that all students have a turn. This technique can also be used to choreograph or practise dances, improvise dramas, or create visual images.

pastels Pigment sticks such as chalk or oil pastels used in colour drawing. Can also refer to a tint of very light value--containing no black and more white than hue.

pathway The course on the floor or ground along which the dancer or dancers move. (See also space.)

patsch A form of body percussion in which the thighs are patted with open hands.

pattern A principle of design concerned with repetition of one or more of the elements in a planned way.

percussion instrument Any instrument that is played by striking, shaking, or scraping.

perform/performance A relatively formal production of dance, drama, or music for an audience, frequently on a stage. Note: In the suggested strategies in this IRP, the terms presentation and performance are often used interchangeably. In practice, the teacher, sometimes in consultation with students, will determine the level of formality appropriate to the situation. (See also presentation.)

performance skills Qualities that enhance a formal presentation (e.g., focus, stage presence, performing energy, clarity of execution, working as a group, effective translation of the composition).

personal space The "space bubble" that a dancer occupies, including all levels, planes, and directions both near to and far from the body's centre.

perspective A system for creating the illusion of 3-D depth in 2-D images. Three types of visual perspective are:

linear perspective--based on the illusion that parallel lines converge as their distance from the observer increases
diminishing perspective--based on the apparent reduction in the size of objects as their distance from the observer increases
atmospheric perspective--based on the apparent reduction of detail and colour intensity of objects as their distance from the observer increases

phrase In melodies, a grouping of notes to form a unit; in chants, a unit of words that presents an idea.

physical properties of sound The physics or science of sound, describing sound in terms of frequency, duration, amplitude, wave form, and sound envelope.

pitch The property of how high or low a note is. Scientifically determined by the frequency of vibrations.

play building The process of creating, rehearsing, and presenting a story based on ideas, life experiences, and imagination. (See also creative process.)

point of focus The part of an image to which the eye is first drawn.

point of view An image-development strategy used to position the viewer relative to the created image (e.g., a worm's-eye view, a bird's-eye view).

poster A sign used to advertise a simple message.

pottery Ware made of clay and fired in a kiln.

present/presentation

In dance, drama, or music, a relatively formal production for an audience, sometimes on a stage. The audience may be a small group of peers, or a larger group. Note: In the suggested strategies in this IRP the terms presentation and performance are often used interchangeably. In practice, the teacher, sometimes in consultation with students, will determine the level of formality appropriate to the situation. (See also perform.)
In visual arts, presentation opportunities range from the informal display of students' work within the classroom to formal, organized displays for a variety of audiences.

primary colours Those colours from which all other colours may be mixed. In painting, red, yellow, and blue are the primary colours.

principles of design Unity, variety, contrast, repetition, balance, and pattern, for example, in the use of the elements of dance, drama, music, or visual arts. Application of the principles of design in the creative process determines an artwork's form.

principles of movement Principles of alignment, balance, flexibility, strength, and breathing used to refine dances and dance technique according to the given style.

program music Music accompanying or interpreting a story or visual image, such as for a ballet or narrative (e.g., Peer Gynt Suite, Carnival of the Animals, Peter and the Wolf, Rodeo). Also known as illustrative music.

proportion The size relationship among the parts of an image and the whole.

radio report/TV report An instructional strategy in which students work, usually in pairs or groups, to research and rehearse a presentation for a given topic (e.g., the historical and cultural contexts of an art form, biographical information about its creator). The presentation is given in the form of a TV or radio broadcast, incorporating multimedia components (e.g., video clips, sound effects, computer graphics), and may be live or recorded.

relationship One of the five elements of movement in dance. Refers to with whom or what the body is moving. Includes:
grouping--apart, connected; solo, duet, ensemble; formations (e.g., circle, diamond, flock, free-form)
relationship between or among dancers--side-by-side, supported, near, far, roles (e.g., gender, age)
interactions--leading, following, mirroring; unison, contrast; meeting, parting; action, reaction
moving in relationship with props (e.g., chair, hat, umbrella)

repertoire A collection of songs or music selections. Within the music curriculum, classroom repertoire refers to those pieces performed or listened to as a part of in-class activities. Known repertoire consists of classroom repertoire as well as music selections learned, performed, or listened to outside the classroom (e.g., at home, in the community).

repetition A principle of art and design in which one or more of the elements of an image appear again and again for effect.

retrograde A composition technique in which the composer rewrites the melody backward.

reversal An image-development strategy used to turn inside out, invert, transpose, or convert to the opposite an effect in all or a portion of the image.

rhythm
In music, the arrangement of notes and silences of varying duration.
A principle of art and design that uses the regular movement or repetition of one or more elements of an image for effect.

rhythm instruments Non-pitched percussion instruments in families of woods, skin, and metals.

rhythm syllables Syllabic names used to represent various note values. For example, the rhythm rhythm syllables image could be represented verbally by "ta ta ti-ti ta."

ritual A ceremonial act or performance used to heighten commitment and deepen understanding.

role

In drama, assuming the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of another; to put oneself "in another's shoes" in order to understand that person's point of view.
In dance, the function or position of an individual within a dance (e.g., in relation to gender, status, age, leader and follower).

role drama Drama in which students (and the teacher, as appropriate) work in role to explore events, issues, and relationships, and reflect on these experiences.

rotation An image-development strategy used to revolve, move, or rearrange an image or parts of an image.

Previous Page Prev

Revised: July 8, 1998

BC Ministry of Education Home Page

notation	In dance, any written or visual record of choreography. Although standard dance notation systems exist, they are usually too complex for students at this level. Invented notation for dance could take the form of computer notation, animation, sculpting, symbols and colours, flip books, and so on. In music, any written or visual form of representing music compositions. Invented notation refers to any system of representation constructed to meet the unique requirements of a particular composer or piece of music; may be diagrammatic, descriptive, narrative, pictorial, tactile, or a combination of any of these. Details may be precise or general in nature. Electronic technology may be used to create unique notation systems. Standard notation refers to the system that uses the five-line staff and oval noteheads with stems placed on the staff to represent specific pitches and rhythms.
observation	An instructional strategy for developing co-operation and observation skills. Students form pairs, facing each other. Each observes the appearance of the other. Student A turns away while student B changes something about her or his appearance. Student A turns back and tries to determine what the change was. An observation strategy can also be used as a listening activity, in which student B changes something about a known song; or a dance exploration activity, in which student B changes a step or one of the elements of movement.
open and closed positions	In mime, open and closed body positions are the two extreme contrasts to the neutral body position. In neutral position, the body elements are balanced and make a minimal dramatic statement. In open position, all the elements of the body are open. This position frequently represents an emotional attitude as well as a physical state. The closed position is the opposite--the emotional attitude and all elements of the body are closed.
Orff instruments	A set of barred instruments (glockenspiels, metallophones, and xylophones) for teaching music.
ostinato	A rhythmic or melodic pattern that is repeated persistently throughout a composition. An ostinato may be sung, played, or performed through body percussion or movement. The plural of ostinato is ostinati.
pass the melody	An instructional strategy for composing or practising melodies. Students sit in a circle. One person starts a known song and, when he or she chooses, passes the melody to the next person, using a signal to indicate the change (e.g., squeezing hand, tapping shoulder). This continues around the circle until the song is finished. If necessary, the process can be repeated to ensure that all students have a turn. This technique can also be used to choreograph or practise dances, improvise dramas, or create visual images.
pastels	Pigment sticks such as chalk or oil pastels used in colour drawing. Can also refer to a tint of very light value--containing no black and more white than hue.
pathway	The course on the floor or ground along which the dancer or dancers move. (See also space.)
patsch	A form of body percussion in which the thighs are patted with open hands.
pattern	A principle of design concerned with repetition of one or more of the elements in a planned way.
percussion instrument	Any instrument that is played by striking, shaking, or scraping.
perform/performance	A relatively formal production of dance, drama, or music for an audience, frequently on a stage. Note: In the suggested strategies in this IRP, the terms presentation and performance are often used interchangeably. In practice, the teacher, sometimes in consultation with students, will determine the level of formality appropriate to the situation. (See also presentation.)
performance skills	Qualities that enhance a formal presentation (e.g., focus, stage presence, performing energy, clarity of execution, working as a group, effective translation of the composition).
personal space	The "space bubble" that a dancer occupies, including all levels, planes, and directions both near to and far from the body's centre.
perspective	A system for creating the illusion of 3-D depth in 2-D images. Three types of visual perspective are: linear perspective--based on the illusion that parallel lines converge as their distance from the observer increases diminishing perspective--based on the apparent reduction in the size of objects as their distance from the observer increases atmospheric perspective--based on the apparent reduction of detail and colour intensity of objects as their distance from the observer increases
phrase	In melodies, a grouping of notes to form a unit; in chants, a unit of words that presents an idea.
physical properties of sound	The physics or science of sound, describing sound in terms of frequency, duration, amplitude, wave form, and sound envelope.
pitch	The property of how high or low a note is. Scientifically determined by the frequency of vibrations.
play building	The process of creating, rehearsing, and presenting a story based on ideas, life experiences, and imagination. (See also creative process.)
point of focus	The part of an image to which the eye is first drawn.
point of view	An image-development strategy used to position the viewer relative to the created image (e.g., a worm's-eye view, a bird's-eye view).
poster	A sign used to advertise a simple message.
pottery	Ware made of clay and fired in a kiln.
present/presentation	In dance, drama, or music, a relatively formal production for an audience, sometimes on a stage. The audience may be a small group of peers, or a larger group. Note: In the suggested strategies in this IRP the terms presentation and performance are often used interchangeably. In practice, the teacher, sometimes in consultation with students, will determine the level of formality appropriate to the situation. (See also perform.) In visual arts, presentation opportunities range from the informal display of students' work within the classroom to formal, organized displays for a variety of audiences.
primary colours	Those colours from which all other colours may be mixed. In painting, red, yellow, and blue are the primary colours.
principles of design	Unity, variety, contrast, repetition, balance, and pattern, for example, in the use of the elements of dance, drama, music, or visual arts. Application of the principles of design in the creative process determines an artwork's form.
principles of movement	Principles of alignment, balance, flexibility, strength, and breathing used to refine dances and dance technique according to the given style.
program music	Music accompanying or interpreting a story or visual image, such as for a ballet or narrative (e.g., Peer Gynt Suite, Carnival of the Animals, Peter and the Wolf, Rodeo). Also known as illustrative music.
proportion	The size relationship among the parts of an image and the whole.
radio report/TV report	An instructional strategy in which students work, usually in pairs or groups, to research and rehearse a presentation for a given topic (e.g., the historical and cultural contexts of an art form, biographical information about its creator). The presentation is given in the form of a TV or radio broadcast, incorporating multimedia components (e.g., video clips, sound effects, computer graphics), and may be live or recorded.
relationship	One of the five elements of movement in dance. Refers to with whom or what the body is moving. Includes: grouping--apart, connected; solo, duet, ensemble; formations (e.g., circle, diamond, flock, free-form) relationship between or among dancers--side-by-side, supported, near, far, roles (e.g., gender, age) interactions--leading, following, mirroring; unison, contrast; meeting, parting; action, reaction moving in relationship with props (e.g., chair, hat, umbrella)
repertoire	A collection of songs or music selections. Within the music curriculum, classroom repertoire refers to those pieces performed or listened to as a part of in-class activities. Known repertoire consists of classroom repertoire as well as music selections learned, performed, or listened to outside the classroom (e.g., at home, in the community).
repetition	A principle of art and design in which one or more of the elements of an image appear again and again for effect.
retrograde	A composition technique in which the composer rewrites the melody backward.
reversal	An image-development strategy used to turn inside out, invert, transpose, or convert to the opposite an effect in all or a portion of the image.
rhythm	In music, the arrangement of notes and silences of varying duration. A principle of art and design that uses the regular movement or repetition of one or more elements of an image for effect.
rhythm instruments	Non-pitched percussion instruments in families of woods, skin, and metals.
rhythm syllables	Syllabic names used to represent various note values. For example, the rhythm could be represented verbally by "ta ta ti-ti ta."
ritual	A ceremonial act or performance used to heighten commitment and deepen understanding.
role	In drama, assuming the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of another; to put oneself "in another's shoes" in order to understand that person's point of view. In dance, the function or position of an individual within a dance (e.g., in relation to gender, status, age, leader and follower).
role drama	Drama in which students (and the teacher, as appropriate) work in role to explore events, issues, and relationships, and reflect on these experiences.
rotation	An image-development strategy used to revolve, move, or rearrange an image or parts of an image.