Woods
Outlined below are wooden instruments that can be used
together, as a set, offering participants a wide range of sound possibilities.
They are all played in different ways so should accommodate many levels of
mobility and skill. Wooden instruments are great for reinforcing themes such as
woodland, forest, boat builder or carpenter for example. Or they can simply be
enjoyed for slowly building and creating a fun rhythmic section within the
workshop.
Tongue Drums - tuned wooden instruments which sound great
on their own, but can also be used to maintain a steady, melodic rhythm
underneath a mixture of other wood sounds. Along with gato drums they come in
different sizes, so offer complimentary bass and treble options. They sound
best when played with soft rubber or cloth headed beaters.
Wooden xylophones and balafons - the initial outlay for
one of these instruments is well worth it for the amount of use and pleasure it
gives. It has a lovely tone and can be played by more than one person at a
time. Buzzing resonators add the classic West
African sound. Smaller versions can be found to play on laps and wheelchair
trays.
Claves - easy to hold and play
individually or in pairs, they give a sharp sound that cuts through to help
maintain a regular rhythm.
Octagon (or stirring xylophone)- this is played with a wooden beater, running
it round the inside of the drum, or tapping individual tuned 'notes'.
Wood Blocks - come in a variety of shapes and
sizes, either as large individual notes or on handles as with the wood agogos
giving two or even three tones.
Shakers and Scrapers - these add another sound quality to a
rhythmic wood section and are also more accessible to those who find a beater
difficult to manage
Unusual wood sounds - there are some instruments that
participants really enjoy for their strangeness and almost comical sounds.
Examples of these are the Kokiriko and Vibraslap.
Sticks - Along with bought
instruments, a set of 18" sticks made from sturdy dowelling is also very
useful, as these can be used to tap rhythms, play with a partner, play wooden
structures, wheelchairs, banisters, can be gathered like firewood for a 'fire'
theme or laid in patterns on the floor, as bridges, boundaries or a
step ladder.
