PD Course
Breath Control and Projection
Created by Elisabeth Oppelt
In this course, you will learn what breath control and projection are, how to breathe from your diaphragm and speak loudly without yelling, and how to teach these skills to your students. Led by teacher and singer Elisabeth Oppelt, this course will be helpful both in your teaching practices and in creating material to teach your students. This course also includes both formal and informal assessments for you to use in your classroom.
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0Lesson 0Introduction2:25 FREE PREVIEWMeeting the instructor and learn more about the overall arc of the course.
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1Lesson 1Preparing the Body to Breathe7:35 FREE PREVIEW“Preparing the Body to Breathe” focuses on posture and how proper air flow aids in projection and ultimately protecting the voice.
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2Lesson 2Anatomy of Breathing7:08“The Anatomy of Breathing” reviews the function of the lungs and diaphragm and demonstrates how we tend to try and use our chests to breathe rather than the diaphragm
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3Lesson 3Using the Diaphragm8:44“Using the Diaphragm to Breathe” contains a series of exercises aimed at training you to use the diaphragm and help to strengthen it as well.
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4Lesson 4Yelling vs. Projection10:16“Projection” starts to determine the difference between yelling and projecting and includes exercises that help you and your students learn to project.
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5Lesson 5How to Teach Students to Use the Diaphragm6:41“How to Apply What You’ve Learned to Your Students” focuses on how to guide your students to use their diaphragm muscle. Take what you’ve learned so far and apply it to how you’ll work with your students.
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6Lesson 6Teaching Students How to Project6:27“How to Teach Students to Project.” Sounds daunting doesn’t it? Don’t worry, this module guides you in working with your students to enhance their projection. It even introduces you to some common challenges students face when learning to project.
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7Lesson 7Assessments for Understanding4:36“Possible Assessments to Test for Understanding.” In this module you gain tools so that you can assess your students’ progress.
Standards Addressed
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Seventh Grade
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
High School - Professional Pathway
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.2.5 Analyze the effect of rehearsal sessions and/or strategies on refining skills and techniques by keeping a performance or rehearsal journal/log.
- TH.912.C.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
- TH.912.C.2.8 Improve a performance or project using various self-assessment tools, coaching, feedback, and/or constructive criticism.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.912.S.2.5 Perform memorized theatrical literature in contrasting pieces to show ability to apply principles and structure, focus on details of performance, and processing skills to establish successful interpretation, expression, and believability.
- TH.912.S.2.6 Transfer acting and technical skills and techniques from one piece of dramatic text to another.
- TH.912.S.2.8 Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
- TH.912.S.3.2 Exercise artistic discipline and collaboration to achieve ensemble in rehearsal and performance.
- TH.912.S.3.3 Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
- TH.912.S.3.5 Conduct a comparative analysis of acting methods and the teacher-artists who developed them as a foundational guide to acting.
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Present
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
- B.C.1.1 Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human emotion affects the body and is conveyed through the body.
- B.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
- B.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
- C.1.B develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
- C.1.C develop and practice stage movement techniques such as mime, pantomime, stage combat, Laban, Lecoq, or Viewpoints consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
- C.1.D develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Speech Drama 10
- 11 demonstrate how phrasing and pausing, intonation, rate and rhythm affect meaning
- 12 create specific vocal sound effects
- 2 apply effective breathing techniques
- 3 recognize the effect of good posture on voice
- 4 demonstrate knowledge of the parts of the body that are associated with voice production: vocal tracts, lungs, diaphragm, bronchi, trachea, larynx, uvula, pharynx, vocal folds
- 8 recognize the resonators’ contribution to vocal quality
Improvisation Drama 10
Improvisation Drama 30
Acting Drama 20
Acting Drama 30
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
Speech Level I - Beginning
Speech Level II - Intermediate
Speech Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal II Objectives
- develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
- develop the ability to select appropriate physical and vocal expression for feelings, ideas and images
- develop the ability to understand and apply the specific presentation techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
- gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
Orientation Drama 10
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Develop and refine ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms to improve the quality of artistic creations
- Research, describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments in the arts
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Develop and refine ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms to improve the quality of artistic creations
- Research, describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments in the arts
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments to create and communicate ideas
- Develop, refine ideas, and critically appraise ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms to improve the quality of artistic creations
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
- B.3.1 identify and describe skills, attitudes, and strategies they used in collaborative drama activities (e.g., brainstorming, active listening, and cooperative problem-solving skills; strategies for sharing responsibility through collaborative team roles)
- B.3.2 identify skills they have developed through drama activities and explain how they can be useful in work and other social contexts (e.g., explain in a journal how their brainstorming and negotiation skills support teamwork in a variety of contexts)
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade Seven
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
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