We Love Percussion

Recreate percussion sounds with markers and other objects from your home.

Tuesday, July 28

In the story from yesterday's activity, My Family Plays Music, the young girl plays along with all her relatives using different percussion instruments. A percussion instrument is played by striking it with the hand or with something held, or by shaking it. Drums, cymbals, xylophones, gongs, bells, and rattles are all percussion instruments.

This activity is for ages 6-10, but anyone can join.

Supplies:

• Sharpie marker—or another wide marker
• If you don't have a marker, find something in your home that is similar in size and shape.

The Challenge:



Step 1: Get Inspired

• People use so many different things to create percussion sounds in music. Today we will try it with markers.
• Check out this video using markers.: youtu.be/mFDvtacljVY



Step 2: Try It

• Work on making the different sounds. Can you create the bass drum, high hat, and the clap sound? You may need to watch the video a few times to remember the how to make the different sounds.
• Find a good place to create your beats. You want to find a surface that makes a loud sound. The bathroom sink often works or the hard cover of a book.
• Practice putting together the beats to make your own unique combinations.



Step 3: Time to Reflect

• What did you like about this activity?
• This looks easy but still takes practice. What did you do to keep yourself trying even if it got frustrating?
• What other percussion instruments would you like to try?

Extension:

• Tell a story about your family! Can you make it about music? Write your own or try this story maker: https://pbskids.org/pinkalicious/games/pinkcredible-story-maker.