Radio Theater

Welcome to Radio Theater! First, I explained the concept. I explained how exciting it was to hear the actors, even though you couldn't see them, and even though the actors were making the sound effects (i.e., walking empty shoes on a table to make it sound like someone was walking).

My kids are divided into four teams per class for the entire year. I gave each group a 16" hand drum filled with a book and an odd assortment of instruments. Each group got a hand drum, a maraca, a guiro, a set of finger cymbals, a pair of klaves, one small Boomwhacker®, and a novelty instrument, like a vibraslap or a stir xylophone. The students were to use the instruments and make appropriate sound effects for various picture books.

Before we started, I demonstrated the correct way to play each instruments, then I showed some incorrect ways that were equally safe for the instruments. For example, I banged the Boomwhacker® on my head, I tapped on the guiro instead of scraping it, and I hit a klave on my shoe. I want the students to experiment and not be limited by what was "correct," as long as they kept the instruments safe. I reminded them that I wouldn't be able to see what they're doing, so I wouldn't know how they're producing the sound. But I would look at the instruments when they're returned to make sure everything was O.K.

Now you and I know that this is basic Orff 101, but they thought they were inventing the wheel all by themselves. It was total engrossment. Next class I set up a giant radio for them to perform behind.