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Although you might not think of playing music as an outdoor activity – there are quite a few creative ways to get outside and make some joyful noise at the same time. Here are some of our favorite outdoor music activities that come from world cultures.
Make An Australian Bullroarer
Both the Apache people and Australian Aboriginal people discovered that a spinning object makes the most amazing sounds. We’ve created one made from a plastic water bottle and you can read all about it or make your own here.
Musical Play With Water – A Mayan Style Water Drum!
This amazing-sounding gourd drum dates back to the times of the ancient Mayans! But, you don’t need a set of special dried gourds to make one at home. You can use a few basic supplies found around your kitchen. Then go outside and try this drum that can be heard quite a distance away!
A Piece Of Fabric Becomes A Native American Style Pow-Wow Drum
Original pow-wow drums were larger skins played by holding the drum in one hand and the drum beater in the other. If you’re out camping, you can use a sturdy piece of canvas or a similar fabric to recreate this unique form of unison group drumming.
Hear a real pow-wow drum or find step-by-step instructions to make this type of pow-wow drum and beater right here.
Do The Limbo
Do you know the background of this popular dance tradition? It’s a story that starts with slavery but transformed over the years into a more joyous celebration of Caribbean culture. Check out different ways to make Caribbean-style steel pan drums or learn more about the limbo here.
Turn A Tree Into An Instrument
Gather your recycling and make a free form sculpture that not only looks good, but sounds good as well. You can adorn a tree in your park or backyard or create a clothesline that can be a perfect place for kids in your community to explore music, get creative and jam.
What else sounds like fun outdoors? Check out the other great posts here at the Multicultural Kids Blog for lots of other wonderful ways to explore the world with your children this summer!
By Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou
World Music children’s performer DARIA (Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou) has spent the last two decades performing in the USA and around the world, creating music to inspire all the world’s children. Along with numerous national awards for her culturally diverse music, Daria’s website (www.dariamusic.com) was given a Parent’s Choice Award and offers many great resources for teachers, parents and kids of all abilities.
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Daria
Latest posts by Daria (see all)
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Love these ideas! (Hope my neighbours agree.)