Drum Circle

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!