How to Host Instrument-Making Crafts for Make Music Vermont

Fun, educational craft activities that teach musical history while creating functional instruments. Perfect for family-friendly Make Music Vermont events.

Overview

Instrument-making crafts engage participants of all ages while teaching musical history and cultural traditions. These activities work well as standalone stations at Make Music Vermont events or as additions to performance areas.

Craft Projects

🥁 Paper Plate Tambourine

Cultural Background: Tambourines originated in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. They were used in religious contexts, by traveling musicians, and in military bands. Today they appear in folk, classical, gospel, rock, and pop music.

Materials:

• 2 paper plates
• Handful of dried beans
• Stapler
• Markers, stickers, ribbons, feathers for decorating

Instructions:

1. Set one paper plate on the table and add a handful of beans
2. Top with the second plate (face side down) and staple edges together — make sure staples are close enough that no beans escape!
3. Decorate with provided craft materials

🎶 Popsicle Stick Harmonica

Cultural Background: The harmonica originated in China with the Sheng, made from bamboo reeds. It developed further in Germany and came to America in the 19th century. Now found in blues and folk music.

Materials:

• 2 popsicle sticks
• 2 rubber bands
• 1 toothpick (cut in half)
• 1 piece of paper (length of popsicle sticks)

Instructions:

1. Sandwich the paper strip between the 2 popsicle sticks
2. Wrap a rubber band around one end until snug
3. Slide 1 toothpick half inside the rubber band, on top of the paper
4. Place the other toothpick half at the opposite end, under the paper
5. Wrap with a rubber band to secure

🌧️ Rainstick

Cultural Background: Rainsticks originated with tribes of Northern Chile, made from dried cacti, thorns, and pebbles. When held vertically, falling pebbles mimic trickling rain. Tribes believed playing this instrument at desert ceremonies evoked rain spirits.

Materials:

• 1 paper towel roll
• Washi or decorative tape
• Clear packing tape
• 3 cardboard strips (folded accordion-style)
• Popcorn kernels or rice
• Stickers, markers, ribbon for decorating

Instructions:

1. Cover one end of the roll with clear tape
2. Place 3 accordion-folded cardboard strips inside the tube
3. Pour 2 handfuls of kernels or rice into the tube (about 1/3 full)
4. Cover the other end with clear tape
5. Decorate as desired

🪘 Djembe Drum

Cultural Background: The djembe is the drum of the Mandinka people, dating to the 12th century in West Africa. Traditionally carved from wood and covered with animal skin, it's played with hands at rituals, baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Materials:

• 1 hollow can (coffee can or similar)
• 2 circles of felt
• Construction paper
• Colored yarn
• Glue stick
• Beads (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wrap pre-cut construction paper around the can and glue edges together
2. Place 1 felt circle under the can and 1 on top, aligning hole punches
3. Tie a knot in yarn and string through the first bottom hole in the felt
4. Continue stringing yarn through punched holes in triangular patterns, adding beads if desired
5. Finish by tying a second knot atop the first

🥁 Rattle Drum

Cultural Background: Created by indigenous tribes of North America using rawhide, feathers, fur, seeds, bones, and shells. Used with dancing in ceremonies, healing rituals, and spiritual journeys. Tribes believed playing these drums called out to protective spirits.

Materials:

• 1 empty ribbon spool
• 1 paper straw
• 2 pre-cut paper circles
• Glue stick
• Yarn and beads
• Washi tape, markers, stickers

Instructions:

1. Start with drum that has handle and yarn already attached
2. Glue paper circles onto each side of the spool
3. Decorate as desired
4. Add 1 bead to each side of the hanging yarn, tying a knot to secure

🎺 Didgeridoo

Cultural Background: This wind instrument was first created in Australia from hollow logs and decorated with traditional paints. Played using circular breathing while vibrating the lips. Modern approaches include beatboxing techniques.

Materials:

• 1 empty wrapping paper roll
• Washi tape, markers, stickers

Instructions:

1. Decorate the wrapping paper roll as desired
2. Traditional didgeridoos often feature animals or dot patterns

Vermont Implementation Tips

Venue Setup

• Set up craft stations near performance areas so families can participate between sets
• Consider partnering with Vermont libraries, schools, or community centers
• Local hardware stores may donate materials (buckets, tape, etc.)

Materials Sourcing

• Contact local businesses for donations of paper plates, cans, paper towel rolls
• Reach out to craft stores for discounted or donated supplies
• Ask volunteers to save recyclable materials in advance

Staffing

• Recruit volunteers to run each station
• Prepare simple instruction cards at each station
• Consider involving local music teachers or art educators

Cultural Sensitivity

• Share the cultural history respectfully when teaching each instrument
• Frame activities as appreciation and learning opportunities
• Consider inviting local cultural organizations to participate