Play Me A Cowbell

This simple tune has a simple purpose - to introduce a few non-pitched percussion instruments, one at a time. The vocal part introduces each instrument which then plays a demo. All four instruments play together at measure 13 for eight bars. You don't have to use the instruments we have named in the song. You can use any instruments you like. Just adapt the melody to fit the names. Same thing goes with the rhythms. Have students write their own rhythms.

To expand a little on this, add an Orff (mallet) or Boomwhacker® ostinato. Write a simple repeating pattern based on the C and F chords. Use with or without the recording, or have them play along with live piano.