A pellet drum is known in its most basic form as a children’s toy popular throughout East Asia. What makes it unique is the fact that the beaters are pellets attached to the drum by short strings, so that they strike the drumheads when the drum is twirled back and forth rapidly. Pellet drums are also popular with street vendors who use them as noisemakers to attract customers. In China, this drum is called taogu, or “rattle drum.” This is the type of pellet drum that we are making today.
You will need:
wooden spoon with two drilled holes
2 8” pieces of ribbon
4-6 small beads, 2 large beads
Markers, paint, or colored pencils
Decorate the wooden spoon with markers, paint, or pencils if desired.
Tie a small bead to the end of a ribbon. Tie again to make a knot so it is secure. Then string a large bead onto the ribbon and top with another small bead. Repeat with the other piece of ribbon.
Thread one ribbon through the front side of the spoon leaving 2”-3” of ribbon on the side with beads. You want the beads to be able to reach the other side of the spoon when twirled but not so long that they get tangled. Tie a knot on the back side of spoon. If you have problems getting a big enough knot, you can add another bead and tie the knot to it. Repeat with remaining string of beads but start the threading from the back side. One string should hang from the front and one from the back.
Your drum is now ready to beat by rubbing the handle back and forth in your hands, twirling the beads to strike the spoon. Change the rhythm by the speed of the twirl.
People throughout the world make instruments out of found materials around them. Sometimes they use metal scraps, gourds, paper, animal skins, cactus, or sticks.
- What kinds of instruments have you seen?
- From what materials were they made?
- How does the material change the sound?
- Why is music important in a culture?
