These activities were completed with a mixed group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students of varying cultural and linguistic backgrounds, though the specific activities might be adjusted and simplified for a younger audience.

The purpose of this group is to provide a space for recently immigrated students and emergent multilingual students to engage with other students through musical play and community building opportunities.

The initial phase of this project is focused on getting the students familiar and comfortable with the group, with the instruments, and with the style of instruction and learning taking place. Although some of the students may share the same classroom teacher or might receive the same pull-out language support from the ESOL department, there will be some relational barriers to overcome at the start, and some social apprehension being around new people. Additionally, although students are usually excited to drum and play instruments, individual playing might still produce some anxieties. By utilizing the suggested teaching style that minimizes verbal instruction, the students in attendance will be enabled to find musical success regardless of their language ability. The primary goal is to have students leaving the group feeling confident and excited about the Drum it Up opportunity.

Music is the driving feature of the Drum it Up idea, with instrument performance on percussion instruments the method to achieve our goals of building self-awareness and community amongst the participants.

Floor drums (such as djembes, tubanos), unpitched percussion instruments (ideally, ones capable of producing high and low tones, such as two-tone blocks, agogo bells, bongos, temple blocks, etc.). You may even use D.I.Y. “drums” (plastic buckets, boxes, tubs, etc.) and two-tone instruments (pots, pans, PVC pipes, cardboard tubes, etc.)

Drum it Up provides the opportunity for musical experiences to happen even without formal language usage. Through the use of pantomime, gesture, echoing, demonstrating, and nonverbal communication, participants of all language abilities are able to be equally engaged in the activities.

Relationship skills is the central focus of Drum it Up – with individual participation vital for the group’s success. Where one student might disengage or lose interest, the game or jam session might weaken!

Turning the activities and learning experiences into games is the best way to get participants comfortable with musical concepts. Below are some ideas for games and activities done in the first stage of our groups' meetings.