Percussion Project

Last week, Dallin came home from school with a note in his backpack... instructions for a 2nd grade project. They have been discussing sounds in science (tone, pitch, volume, etc) and were asked to make their own instrument that showcased some of these scientific terms.

Being an ex-percussionist, I was immediately thinking how fun it would be to make a "timpani" of sorts (I only had a opinion knowing that this was going to be partially my project as well ;)). Before I could share this thought, Dallin chimed in with his brilliant idea... a drum that makes different pitches! Oh Dallin, you're so smart and have such great ideas :)!

Of course we had a week to complete this project and began work on it Sunday afternoon (hours before it was due). It was actually a really great Sabbath day activity. I ran through the kitchen finding cans, pots, canisters, boxes, bottles... anything that would make a great sound. Dallin had a mallet and would hit everything I put in front of him. He would then decide if he liked the sound. He ended up with 11 "drums".

We wrapped them each in silver paper, hot glued them to a wrapped cutting board and labeled them 1-11, 1 being the highest pitch and 11 being the lowest. Dallin was thrilled (so was I). It really turned out great.

He took it to school the next day and it was a hit. His teacher was impressed and asked him to use it when they went caroling yesterday as a class. Nicely done Dallin!!