Lesson 12

In this lesson, students will learn how to use household cans and lids, such as coffee cans, spoons, plastic containers, to create homemade percussion instruments. This is intended to be an ensemble piece, so several instruments and parts will be discussed and demonstrated. By striking the center of a coffee can lid, and striking the edge of the top of the lid, two different tones are created, similar to the rim/head combination on a snare drum, and creates an instrument part. By scraping the side of the can, a different tone can be created, and creates another instrument part. Using a container of quinoa, a shaker-type instrument part is created. Using a container of rice creates a different tone of a shaker-type instrument, and thus creates another instrument part. Two spoons placed back to back create another instrument, and another instrument part. Students are guided through a rhythmic pattern for each of the homemade instruments at slow tempos, working up to performance tempo. The lesson concludes by encouraging students to master each of the parts through diligent practice.

Snare Introduction

Bass Drum Introduction

Cymbal Introduction

Holding The Stick