The forgotten reform: On the initiative, success and absence of the Scholar Singing Games (“Rondas Escolares”) as a musical proposal for Physical Education classes (Argentina, 1910s)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the pedagogical proposal of the “Rondas Escolares” (School Round Games), an initiative developed by Enrique Romero Brest as part of his Argentinean Physical Education System, particularly during the 1910s. The project was designed for school classes and involved a combination of music, schematic rhythmic gymnastics, and singing, all under the guidance of professionals and following a detailed didactic progression. To achieve this, the analysis will focus on Romero Brest’s writings, specifically the book “Elementos de Gimnástica Fisiológica” from 1911, as well as the educational journals “Revista de la Educación Física” and “Monitor de la Educación Común” from 1909 to 1920. The hypothesis is that this musical proposal is original not only for Physical Education but also for schooling in general during that time. It was one of the first attempts within the Educational System to use music in the classroom. Simultaneously, it is intriguing to observe the combination of musical techniques with physical techniques in a methodological proposal of gymnastics for children. This proposal contains powerful discourses on Physical Education and moral education. However, despite being an innovative proposal that condensed powerful discourses on the body and subjectivities, it did not significantly transcend beyond the tasks carried out by Romero Brest himself or his disciples.