What are Boomwackers and how can we make music with them? That was the question I had when I walked into my first classroom and saw a set of colorful plastic tubes sitting on the shelf. Boomwackers are cut to specific lengths that when struck, create different pitches. These instruments are color-coded to help students learn how to read both traditional music notation as well as solfege (Do, Re, Mi...). They can be played individually by tapping them on the floor or in a palm or linked together like a xylophone and struck with a mallet.
Boomwackers have become a sort of music textbook for my students, where they can visually see the notes and how they relate to each other. We look at the size and ponder how it affects the sound as young as kindergarten. As students get older we learn simple 2-3 note songs that they can play while singing. In 4th and 5th grade we discuss chords and choose which notes sound the best together and compose and play along to rock music.
My students have grown to love playing Boomwackers, which is clear by looking at them. Many are bent and starting to crack from years of use. Replacing these instruments will allow my students to continue having hands-on learning experiences in music class.
About my class
What are Boomwackers and how can we make music with them? That was the question I had when I walked into my first classroom and saw a set of colorful plastic tubes sitting on the shelf. Boomwackers are cut to specific lengths that when struck, create different pitches. These instruments are color-coded to help students learn how to read both traditional music notation as well as solfege (Do, Re, Mi...). They can be played individually by tapping them on the floor or in a palm or linked together like a xylophone and struck with a mallet.
Boomwackers have become a sort of music textbook for my students, where they can visually see the notes and how they relate to each other. We look at the size and ponder how it affects the sound as young as kindergarten. As students get older we learn simple 2-3 note songs that they can play while singing. In 4th and 5th grade we discuss chords and choose which notes sound the best together and compose and play along to rock music.
My students have grown to love playing Boomwackers, which is clear by looking at them. Many are bent and starting to crack from years of use. Replacing these instruments will allow my students to continue having hands-on learning experiences in music class.