Submitted by Sandy Toms, Ferndale, Michigan

Idea posted May 11, 2004

Here's a fun drum circle activity:

1. Recite:

"Mabel, Mabel, set the table
Don't forget the __________ "(2 beat pattern improvised)
Go around the circle, reciting this poem and allowing each student in turn to fill in two improvised beats.

2. Each student plays a four beat pattern and everyone echoes it.

3. Have half the kids play a steady beat pattern and the other half a specific rhythm such as "syn-cho-pa ta rest"

4. If they are using hand drums, a good opening exercise is this (B=base, m=mute, T=tone, S=slap)

(using right left pattern)

B B B B

Bm Bm Bm Bm

T T T T

Tm Tm Tm Tm

S S S S