Rhythm Instruments
Objectives
Fun, creativity, collaboration
Group Size
Materials
A variety of small percussion and rhythm instruments, e.g.,tamborines, drums, bells, whistles, claves (sticks), shakers, maracas, kazoos. . .
If you don't have "real" instruments, or if the group wants to be more creative:
- drums can be made with sticks, cans, bottles, pots, boxes
- cans or boxes filled with rocks, grains, beads, coins, sand, or seeds, and closed securely, become shakers
- Key rings can be shakers
- don't forget clapping!
- "hambone" is tapping on cheeks, chest, anyplace on the body for sounds - with cupped or flat hands for different effects
Set Up
This activity can be led by a musician with a guitar or other instrument, a singer, or anyone. Encourage people to think of PLAYING music - not to be intimidated by whether or not they have musical skills or talents.
Directions
Invite people to play along with the free-form rhythm or a familiar song or tune begun by the leader. Encoureage people to switch and trade instruments as they please. The leader can sometimes indicate a period for one person, a smaller group of people, or those with one type of instrument to play - e.g., only bells now; only the men.
Debrief
Discuss the experience. Prompts can include: Did you listen to each other? How would you do it differently if you were the band leader? Are there lessons about collaboration?
