Body and Music

This work is the final result of an experiment carried out as part of the Professional Master's Degree in Music at the Federal University of Bahia. The aim here is to explain, in general terms, the concept of Body Rhythmics, as well as to demonstrate how the practice of exercises from this teaching system can contribute to musical performance development. In addition, the Rhythmics of the Swiss Émile Jacques-Dalcroze and the Body Rhythmics of the Brazilian Ione de Medeiros will be discussed. Being experienced in an orchestral context, Ione de Medeiros' Body Rhythmics (RCIM) will be discussed, adapted and applied to the members of the Woodwind Ensemble of the Castro Alves Orchestra - a group belonging to the State Nuclei of Youth and Children's Orchestras of Bahia (NEOJIBA) - in order to assess - through analyses of video recordings - a possible contributing influence of RCIM on the development of mastery of elements of orchestral practice by the members of this group.