Music has been integral to African
cultures almost since the dawn of humankind. Most African cultures made music
before they ever developed a written language. A variety of unique musical instruments help to create the
sounds of African songs. Many of these instruments are fairly easy to make and
play. Styles of drums vary
throughout the continent, depending on what local resources are available. Some
are made of hollowed-out tree trunks. Others come from dried gourds. No matter
what the materials, all you need to make an African drum is an empty container,
some fabric and a large rubber band. Take the container and cover the top with
the fabric. Take the rubber band and wrap it around the top of the container,
so it pulls the fabric tight. To play the drum, simply tap on the top of the
now-tight fabric.
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| musical instrument repair shop |
Many
elements of African music instrumentsrepair shop sounds found in nature. To make one called a rainstick, you
will need a long, sturdy cardboard tube, such as from a roll of wrapping paper.
You will also need hobby wire cut into long pieces; clear packing tape; and dry
rice, beans or lentils. You may also want materials to decorate the instrument.
Use the packing tape to cover and seal one end of the tube. Take the strands of
wire and fold each up into a ball. Stuff the balls of wire into the tube until
it is full. Then pour the beans, rice or lentils down the tube. The wire should
act as a mesh to filter the dry food items. Seal the open end with packing
tape. To play the instrument, hold it upright until all of the dry foods have
settled at one end. Then flip it over and listen as the dry foods work their
way back down the tube. You can adjust the speed of the sound by adjusting the
angle of the tube.
A popular instrument from Kenya and Tanzania is the bazara.
To make one, you will need three empty tin cans of the same size. You will also
need a can opener, sturdy tape, a towel and a wooden spoon. Use the can opener
to cut off the bottoms of two of the cans (the tops of all three cans should
already be gone if the contents have been used). Make sure all three cans are
completely clean. Take the can with the bottom attached and place it upright,
with the open end skyward. Take one of the other cans and place it on top of
the first one, forming a tube. Tape the two cans together. Take the last can
and tape it on top of the second can, extending the tube.