BeatBox: World Music Drumming 101

Everyone loves to drum, especially kids!

In "BeatBox: Music Drumming 101", Will Schmid expands on this notion by introducing a wide variety of drumming styles that are based on folk melodies as well as original songs. Written for use in elementary classrooms, this book is perfect for grades 2 -5 and is flexible enough to use whatever instruments you have available. In addition to drums, a soprano recorder, Boomwhackers, Orff instruments, spoons, and guitar can be used in some of the pieces.

Musical style inspirations include a basic rock drumming pattern, the sound of a mbira (thumb piano) with xylophones, a Haitian meringue ensemble, body percussion from the tradition of hambone and step-dancing, and a lively fiddle tune with an Irish bodhran drumming part. Experiment with call and response, layered ostinatos, syncopation and improvisation. Learn the Bamboo Tamboo from the Caribbean, the Highlife from West Africa, and how to make a drum talk.

A helpful learning sequence for each piece is given, along with:

• Learning objectives,
• Cross-cultural connections,
• Historic fun facts,
• And suggestions on how to use the instruments you already have

The online materials include performance and instrumental tracks for each song, and PDFs of songsheet and instrument parts for printing and projection options.

Songs:

• BeatBox
• Bamboo Tamboo Time
• Mbira: All Thumbs
• Knock on Wood
• Merry Meringue
• Highlife Christmas
• StomPaTap / Long John Map Rap
• The Little Beggarman
• Boom Boom
• Share a Drum
• Take Four
• Good News! Summer Is Coming