Last week, I introduced my classes to soundscaping. (Yes, I made that word up) It definitely is an action verb in my book. We looked at the idiophones we had in our classroom – Sound effect instruments. They included:
Windchimes – I tell the students to tickle them very gently. My chimes have a few missing “teeth” from rough handling. Let them taper naturally. There is no need to “stop” their sound.
Thundertube – This instrument is by far the most popular with my students. It really is a skin instrument (drum ) with a spring attached. I teach them to play it with the spring hanging down. I also tell them not to touch the spring. You shake it to begin the sound and let it dissipate naturally.
Ocean Drum – This is another skin instrument. This drum has little beads that roll around and create the sound of the ocean. I tell my kiddos that they hold it parallel to the floor. They roll the beads gently. The sound increases with more motion. I do show them how clunky it sounds if you move the beads too quickly. YUCK!!!!
Rainsticks – This is always a lovely addition to a soundscape. The gentle sound of the rain. Easy to play – tip them over and pour them out. (HAHAHA)
Ratchet – This is one loud instrument. A mechanic’s tool made into an instrument. Great for Halloween.
We only have a few of these special instruments so I also have maracas set out.
I gathered them at the board and shared these visuals: (There is a little work. You need to cut out the little cards.)
They added the little cards kinda like this:
I had them notice the dotted line – the most important part of our soundscape. We need something to “glue” our piece together. I showed them a broken bordun (E and B) on the Bass Xylophone or Bass Bars and I showed them how to do a tremolo. They picked which one they like and for the k’s and 1’s, I played it. For the 2’s and 3’s, I gave that role to a student.
They chose a sound effect instrument for each card
Chimes RatchetThundertubeMaracas
This was one arrangement my K’s created. The bat is always maracas so everyone has something to play. Then I alternate the students through to at least one sound effect instrument.
The “Director” traces the pathway and the sounds enter as they reach the cards. They can start at the bottom or the top. They can move forward or backward. They can pause over a card if they want it to last longer. It really is open ended.
My students really enjoyed this exploration of timbre.
If you would like the visuals, visit my FaceBook page below and leave me a message. I will send them to you.
https://www.facebook.com/justorffinaround/?view_public_for=102708381151034
Have a soothing Sunday
Take care,
Syndi