Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Build a drum from a plastic bucket. Drums are the most basic of all instruments and can be made from almost anything. Cut the bottom off the bucket, then get two pieces of heavy fabric. Make holes around the edges of the fabric. Stretch one piece of fabric over each end of the bucket. Run the cord through one of the holes in the first piece of fabric, then through one of the holes in the second piece. Alternate running the cord through holes in each piece of fabric so that the cord zigzags between them with one piece of fabric on each end of the bucket. Tighten the cord to stretch the fabric tightly over each end of the bucket. If you have run the cord all the way around the bucket, the leading and tailing edges of the cord should be on the same side. When both drum heads are tight, tie the end of the cord tightly in a knot.
A small washtub bass can be made with an old tub or bucket, a broomstick and a piece of heavy cord. Put the tub on the floor upside down. Tie a large knot at the end of the cord. Put a small hole big enough to get the cord through into the bottom of the tub. Pull the cord through the hole with the knot inside of the tub. Drill another small hole in the end of the broomstick and slide the cord through. Stand the broomstick up with the bottom pressed firmly against the tub. Experiment with the best location for the broomstick and the cord, and when you think it's right, tie a knot in the cord against the back of the broomstick. Twang the cord and change its tone by moving the broomstick to make the cord tighter or looser. The tub acts as a resounding chamber.
Make an Australian didgeridoo by applying masking tape to the end of a long cardboard tube. The tape needs to make the mouth hole small enough that the lips can be vibrated in the hole like a trumpet. Run the tape around and around the end of the tube in order to decrease the diameter of the hole at the end. Determine the proper size of the hole through trial and error. Press your mouth firmly against the hole and blow through pursed lips, making your lips vibrate and causing a sound to come through the pipe. The premise is the same as any brass instrument. The outside of the tube can be decorated with paint or small objects.