Make music together using these simple drumming patterns.
Required Supplies
• Various sizes and types of drums: such as snares, shakers, bass drums, cymbals, rainmaker, tamborines
• Drum sticks: patterned and smooth
• Chairs and table if needed
Group Size
Min: 1
Max: 8
Hazards
Loud noises
Activity Instructions
1. Set participants up in a circle.
2. Allow participants to pick an instrument of their choice.
3. Begin the circle with going around the circle to introduce each person and a rhythm with their instrument.
For example, my name is Charissa (ka-riss-ah), I would play my instrument 3 times according to the syllables in my name.
4. Put out your hand for a stop signal. Practice various tempos and volumes.
For example, soft to LOUD. LOUD to soft. Slow to fast! Fast to slow.
5. Using sentences, practice playing to the syllables.
Examples:
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• The Wheels on the Bus
• London Bridge is falling down
• Humpty Dumpty
6. Start a improv circle. Have each participant play a beat and add onto each other until a song is created!
Activity Instruction Adaptations
• Any instruments can be used. Get creative!