Make your own instruments!
​
You don't need fancy instruments to make music! 
Along with your voice and your clappers,
these gems will become a permanent addition to your family band!

​PLEASE NOTE:  Grown-up supervision is required for all of these crafts. 
​Some instruments are filled with dried beans, corn, rice, plastic beads or other small objects. 
A secure duct tape and/or glue seal will insure that your instruments are child-safe. 

Maraca

SHAKE IT

1. Fill a dry water bottle or other plastic container with dry beans, beads and/or rice plus (optional) glitter
2. Securely fasten the top or lid using glue and/or duct tape 
3. Decorate with stickers, washi tape, ribbons, etc.

​Shake up high and touch the sky!  Shake it down low and touch your toe!

Ocean Drum

SWIRL IT

1. Place a handful of dry beans, beads and/or rice plus (optional) glitter on a clear plastic plate
​2. Cover with a second plate 3.  Securely glue and tape the edges all around
4. Decorate with stickers, markers, washi tape, etc.

​Swirl your ocean drum and listen to the waves!

Tom Tom Drum

BANG ON IT

1.  Find a clean empty container (no sharp edges!) If you like, cover the sides with paint, wrapping paper or stickers 
2. Cut the "tail" end off a balloon and stretch it over the top of the can
3. Securely fasten the balloon lid all the way around with a rubber band or two

Use your hands, spoons or drum sticks to keep a steady beat

Bead + Bell Bracelet

JINGLE IT

1. String beads and/or bells onto a chenille strip or piece of ribbon
2. Attach to your wrists, ankles or, if you have enough ribbon, tie around your waist!

Turn on the music and have a dance party.  You are the band!

Kazoo

PLAY IT

1. Decorate a paper towel or toilet paper roll
2. Cover one end with plastic wrap or wax paper
3. Securely fasten the cover with a rubber band
4. Poke a small hole near the covered end of the roll (see picture)

Blow into the open end. Cover the hole with your finger.
What happens?

Box Guitar

STRUM IT

1. Find a tissue box or any kind of stiff box with one open side.
2. Decorate with stickers, paint, markers etc.  
3. Wrap several rubber bands (can be a variety of thickness)around the box

Strum your guitar.  Pluck one string at a time. Count the strings. Sing along!

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Music is all around us. 

​No, really!  It's in your kitchen!
Walk into your kitchen and find dozens of ways to make music.

​What could be easier than a drum, maraca or rhythm stick
made from virtually anything you find in your kitchen
​Pots and pans, metal and wooden spoons, plastic containers, cups, bowls,
oatmeal or coffee canister, box or bag of dry pasta

Other musical instruments right under your nose:
Packet of oatmeal = bean bag to keep the beat
2 cans of tuna = great pair of cymbals
your VELCRO sneakers!