Make it and play it

Start by listing 3 percussion instruments that you are interested in re-creating. Brainstorm what each would look like and what materials you would need by using the brainstorm worksheet.

Try to think outside the box! Your re-created instrument does not have to look exactly like the original! It should resemble it and make a similar sound, but you can adjust the shape and materials if you need to. You could even create a fusion instrument or invent a completely new percussion instrument from your imagination!

Consider the designs from your brainstorm. Before you select your instrument, think about the following questions:

• do I have (or can I easily get) the materials I will need?

• can I construct this in time?

• will this challenge me?

Hint: aim to challenge yourself the way Goldilocks might – not too easy, not too difficult ... just right!

After you have answered these questions, decide which instrument you are going to make.

Once you have decided which instrument you will be making, complete the planning worksheet.

You should keep this with you as you create, so you can always refer back to your plan.

Note: your timeline will depend on how long your teacher gives you to construct your instrument. It is a guess only. Goals are specific things that you want to achieve. For example: main part constructed, test and fix issues or finish and decorate.

Construction time!

It's time to start building your wonderful, musical creations!

Complete the progress report worksheets as you go. This will help you record your progress and any changes to your design.

Reflection

When you are finished building your instrument and you are happy with it, complete the final page of the progress report worksheet. You will reflect on what you have created.

You might also like to share your creation with your class.

Let's get playing!

Now that you have created your instrument, let's put it to good use... it's time to make some music!

If you can, compose and perform in a small group of students with different instruments. If that's not possible, you can compose and perform individually.

1. Experiment
   First, experiment with the sounds it can make. Spend some time learning how to play your instrument.

2. Create a pattern
   Can you perform a few interesting patterns with your instrument? What sounds good together?

3. Compose
   Begin to compose a short piece of music that you will perform on your instrument. Your composition should be between 30 seconds and 1 minute long.

4. Refine
   To make your composition interesting, you should try to include at least 2-3 changes in your composition. These could be changes in pitch, dynamics, tempo, rhythm or tone colour.

5. Practice
   Practice makes perfect! Rehearse your performance until you are comfortable. You might also like to do a rehearsal performance in front of your friends, a family member or your teacher.

6. Perform
   It's time to take the stage! When you are ready, perform your composition in front of an audience. This might be in front of family members, friends or your class. You might also like to record your performance.

Once you have performed, reflect on your composition and answer the following questions:

• In 3 words, how would you describe your composition?

• What would you name your composition? Give it a title.

• What instruments and sounds did you use?

• What changes happen during your song?

• What did you find challenging when you were composing?

• What do you like most about your composition?