Rythm Instruments

Set Up

This activity can be led by a musician with a guitar or other instrument, a singer, or anyone. Encourage people to think of PLAYING music - not to be intimidated by whether or not they have musical skills or talents.

Directions

Invite people to play along with the free-form rhythm or a familiar song or tune begun by the leader. Encoureage people to switch and trade instruments as they please. The leader can sometimes indicate a period for one person, a smaller group of people, or those with one type of instrument to play - e.g., only bells now; only the men.

Debrief

Discuss the experience. Prompts can include: Did you listen to each other? How would you do it differently if you were the band leader? Are there lessons about collaboration?

Alternatives

The whole group making the instruments listed in the "materials" section above can become a separate activity, or the lead-up for activity. Supply materials and/or have people bring stuff from home.