This week we will be exploring keyboard percussion instruments. Choose one or two of these activities to explore throughout the week:

• WATCH - Mr. DiFabio’s Instrument Spotlight about the Marimba (6:47)

When was the piano created? What was its first name? This video will show you the history of the creation of the piano.

• WATCH - Piano Lessons for Kids: The History of the Piano (4:36)

We all know that you play the piano by pressing on the black and white keys to make sound, but do you know what the three pedals under the piano are used for? Watch this video and you will learn about the pedals of the piano.

• WATCH - What do the pedals on a piano do? | Cunningham Piano Company, Philadelphia, King of Prussia, PA (6:54)

“Pianos, keyboards and digital pianos can have one to three foot pedals that perform various musical functions. The most important pedal is the Damper or Sustain pedal, usually found on the furthest right on acoustic instruments. The Damper/Sustain pedal controls how long the notes can be heard after playing them. The second most important pedal is the Soft pedal, otherwise known as the Una Corda. This controls how soft the piano sounds, and is usually the pedal furthest to the left on acoustic pianos. The third pedal - usually the middle one - varies in function, depending on the type of piano. On grand pianos, the middle pedal is known as a Sostenuto pedal. This pedal only holds notes that have been "locked" with the fingers, keeping the other notes free to be controlled by the other pedals or with the fingers alone.”

Happy exploring!