Make a Drum

Make a Frame Drum with a Paper Head

Materials
something to use for the frame (tin can, carpet tube, ceramic pot, wooden frame)
parchment paper bigger than the diameter of the frame
white glue
rubber bands
tissue paper
paint, markers or colored tape to decorate the drum
wooden dowel and beads for drum sticks

Instructions

1) Cut eight sheets of parchment paper 1" larger in diameter than the drum frame.

2) Apply a thin even layer of glue to one sheet of paper. Make sure glue covers the entire paper. Place the next sheet on top and repeat the gluing procedure until all eight sheets have been glued on.

3) Center drum frame on the glued together parchment paper (drum head) and glue it on. Use rubber bands to secure it while it dries.

4) optional: Glue colored tissue paper on the drum head and decorate the frame.

5) Allow to dry overnight before playing.

6) Drum sticks can be made from wooden dowels with beads glued on the end.

Make a Steel Drum

Materials
tin cans of varying sizes (coffee, soup, popcorn, cookie)
unsharpened pencils
hammer
colored tape, fabric, construction paper to decorate drums
permanent markers

 
Instructions

1) Draw a straight line on the bottom of the can with a permanent marker. Draw the line a little bit to one side of the diameter.

2) Hammer along the line you drew. You will hear the pitch change as the metal stretches. Be careful not to hit too hard or you will put a hole in the drum.

3) Use the eraser end of an unsharpened pencil for a drum stick. Experiment with your drum to find the place to hit that gives you the best sound. You should have at least two pitches on your steel drum.

Copyright � 2000 Satisfied Mind