fina synchronised swimming manual for judges, coaches & referees

2009 – 2013 FINA SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING MANUALFOR JUDGES, COACHES & REFEREESSECTION IIIUSE OF MUSICThe term ‘use’ means ‘availing oneself of something as a means to an end.’ Themusic's rhythms, dynamics and accent points set the tempo and power for theactions. Literally, it is how the swimmers use the beats and measures, the ‘highs andlows’, varying melodic themes, different instrumental sounds, and the dynamicchanges [highlights and accent points].Musically, tempo may be labeled ‘presto’, ‘moderato’, ‘lento’, or fast, moderate, slow.These tempos should be observed in fast, quick, complex movements for the‘presto’; and slow, graceful movements to accompany the ‘lento passages’. If strokesand figures remain at the same pace and in the same style while the music changesfrom one tempo to another, an uncomfortable feeling of mismatch of action to musicwill develop.Highlights, or accent points in the music, call for something special such as boosts,platforms, lifts, throws, split rockets, multiple spins, etc. A superior routine will alwaysmatch the highlights to the special accents in the music. These are the ‘MemorableMoments’ that remain with the viewers.Judges Consider:1. INTERPRETATION of character, mood, feeling! Character, quality:Consider the sound, full symphonic orchestration or single instrument, popvocal or military band, chamber quartet to rock band; strident, overridingbeats or soft, flowing melody. Then consider whether the character of themusic has been portrayed by the movements in the water.! Mood, meaning:Consider the mood or meaning of the music, strong, romantic, joyous,sorrowful, patriotic, etc. Perhaps you know what the composer had inmind? If not, what does ‘it’ say to you? Consider both the obvious andsubtle qualities of the music and whether they have been interpreted.! Feeling, fervor and passionConsider the emotional impact of the music and how it has beeninterpreted. The athlete must be able to bring out the emotion heard by theviewers through the interpretation given.2009 – 2013 FINA Synchronised Swimming Manual for Judges, Coaches & Referees 174