Ideas For Boomwhackers®

How I Use Boomwhackers®

Submitted by Tina Morgan, Mississippi

Idea posted 2002-07-19

I've used the Boomwhackers® both "in order" (scalewise) and in groups. I also sometimes use rhythm sticks to hit the Boomwhackers® - after playing for awhile, whatever body part is getting whacked tends to get a little sting-y.

I haven't done all the activities in the Fun With Boomwhackers®! book, but there is one where the kids are in a circle. I didn't like them sitting with their backs to me, so I arranged them in a semicircle. The cool thing about this piece - if you arrange them as Chris (the author) suggests - the pattern moves in a circular fashion. (WHY can't I remember the title?!) I'd recognize it if I heard it...

Isn't there something in her book about ostinato exploration? For things like that, I don't necessarily group the kids according to color. BUT - if we're going to layer several rhythm patterns, it's easier for my kids to be with people playing their same pattern. Too confusing to most of them to sit near someone playing a different pattern.

As for where the music goes, IF it's something that I need them to see, I put it on the board and tell them to get where they can see. (I have color-coded chords and scales that I post.) Other things can be done strictly by directing - that song that I mentioned from the book, you know - the one that I can't remember the title! (Is it Round And Round? Driving me crazy...)

I don't have the bass Boomwhackers® - too unwieldy, I saw, from watching the other music teacher at my school. Unless you've already bought them, I'd recommend getting Octavator™ Tube Caps instead. I actually like the sound with the caps better than without, but I only have 6 or 8 caps.

Whenever we do Boomwhackers®, EVERYbody plays. Less distractions this way. In fact, the main reason I like the Boomwhackers® is that it's an affordable way to have enough instruments for everyone to play at once. I don't have enough bar instruments for this, and even when doing percussion pieces, I still tend to rotate around to allow kids to play various things - don't have to worry so much with Boomwhackers®.