Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music in Early Childhood Education Discovering Rhythm & Orchestral Instruments

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Maracas originated in Latin America. They are dried gourds that still have their seeds inside. Play them by shaking like rattles.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Wood blocks are partially hollowed-out blocks of wood with a slot on the surface. A wooden mallet is used to strike the wood block. When struck over the slot on the surface, the wood block makes a very resonant “tick-tock” sound.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Tone blocks are similar to wood blocks, except that the surface has ridges. This instrument can be either struck or rubbed with a mallet. Their origins can be traced to many cultures.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Claves are thick hardwood wooden sticks, usually rosewood, approximately 1 inch in diameter and 6 to 8 inches long. Play claves by cupping one stick in the palm of your hand and striking it with the other stick. These instruments are used extensively in Cuban music.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Castanets originated in the Orient and arrived in Spain during the Middle Ages. Spanish dancers play the castanets by striking the two halves together with their fingers. Castanets may be fastened to a handle and played by shaking or tapping in the palm of the hand.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Hand drums come in various diameter sizes, but the rim is usually less than 3 inches high. Hold the rim in one hand and strike the drumhead with the other hand or with a mallet.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Tom-toms originated with Native Americans. The tom-tom comes in a variety of sizes and can sit on the floor or be held in a lap. The tom- tom is played with the hand, a mallet, or sticks.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Cymbals are metal disks with a handle in the center. Two are played by striking or rubbing together. One is played by striking with a mallet or wire brush. Cymbals are one of the oldest instruments and originated in Asia, where they were used in religious rituals.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Triangles are three- sided metal instruments with a string attached for holding them. The triangle is played by striking it with a metal or wooden stick. The origin of this instrument is not known.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Tambourines originated in the Mediterranean and come in two different types: a wooden ring with metal disks attached, and a hand drum with metal disks inset around the rim. Both are played by shaking or striking with the hand or hitting against the leg. The drumhead is played with the hand or a mallet.

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning All Rights Reserved Music Lab #1 Non-Pitched Rhythm Instruments Bells are found in many sizes and shapes. Most cultures use bells, either non-pitched or pitched. Various materials— including metal, wood, glass, and ceramic—are used to make bells. Cow Bell Jingle Bells