This post is part of a blog-hop celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Sponsored by Multicultural Kid Blogger Network, you can find many wonderful related posts at the link at the bottom of this article.
Some truly beautiful and unique musical instruments come from the diverse cultures of Asia and the Pacific. Here are some really easy projects you can create to explore both the music and the culture of this region.
Make Your Own Gong
Gongs can be found throughout Asia. Although they vary in shape, size, materials and design, they play an important role in almost every aspect of daily life from the mundane – calling people to rest or eat – to the most solemn and serious ceremonies or religious rituals.
MYO Gong From TPT
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-Your-Own-Chinese-Gong-From-Recycled-Materials-486935
MYO Gong From DARIA’s Website
http://www.dariamusic.com/docs/chinesegong.pdf
Tinghsa Handbells
These handbells date back to ancient times and play an important role in meditation as well as Buddhist ceremonies. You can make a craft version at home with recycled materials and learn a bit more about their background here.
MYO Tingsha Handbells From TPT
MYO Tingsha Handbells From DARIA’s Website
http://www.dariamusic.com/docs/MakeYourOwnTingsha.pdf
`Ili`ile – Musical River Rocks
Can you imagine playing a beat with river rocks? In one type of hula, these special smooth stones being part of the percussion used by the dancers as they move. Read about this beautiful Hawaiian tradition as well as ways you can explore this natural instrument with your kids at home here:
Kuma Rachel Teaches How To Play River Rocks
http://multikidsmusicvids.com/?p=799
Make Your Own Pu’ili Rhythm Sticks
Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures had created these truly unique rhythm sticks. Made of lengths of bamboo, they have cuts (slits) on one end that rattle when played. Not only is it incredibly simple to make your own pu’ile at home, but you can use them to develop motor skills or try out some of the coordinated movements that are part of this intricate hula tradition.
MYO Pu’ili Rhythm Sticks From TPT – Craft PDF
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-Your-Own-Puili-Hawaiian-Rhythm-Sticks-1205139
Pu’ili Rhythm Sticks Post
http://www.tinytappingtoes.com/classroom-music/make-your-own-puili-hawaiian-rhythm-sticks/
Watch a Pu’ili Demonstration
http://multikidsmusicvids.com/?p=738
Color or Play A Ukulele
This small instrument is a big part of Hawaiian music. And it’s size and simplicity make it a great first instrument for any child. Color your own lovely uke or check out why this might make a great stringed instrument for your child here:
http://www.tinytappingtoes.com/family-fun-2/the-ukulele-a-great-first-instrument-for-young-children/
Ukulele Coloring Page
http://www.dariamusic.com/docs/Ukelele%20BW%20Coloring%20Page.pdf
Conch Shell Trumpet
Everyone loves a beautiful seashell – but did you know that a few simple modifications can turn one into an impressive natural trumpet? And, seriously – they are loud and awe-inspiring!
Although this post is about how the conch trumpet was used in Aztec times, the same shell horn is seen in various Asian-Pacific cultures such as Tibetan, Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures as well as pictured in drawings of ancient Korean court ceremonies.
Conch Trumpet Post
Creating and Blowing A Conch Shell Trumpet
http://multikidsmusicvids.com/?p=1002
A Tibetan Conch Trumpet Being Played
http://multikidsmusicvids.com/?p=1010
Visit The Other Great Posts For Celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage
In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Multicultural Kid Blogs is sponsoring a blog hop, and you are invited! We are celebrating the cultures and peoples of this diverse region by sharing our posts and asking other bloggers to do the same! Our hope is to create a wonderful resource for celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with children. Be sure to visit the other co-hosts of the blog hop (listed below).
You can find even more resources on this region in our Asia and Australia and Oceania boards on Pinterest!
Co-Hosts
Multicultural Kid Blogs
Crafty Moms Share
Bicultural Mama
Finding Dutchland
Kid World Citizen
Marie’s Pastiche
All Done Monkey
Tiny Tapping Toes
Creative World of Varya
Miss Panda Chinese
Pingback: Learning About Papua New Guinea - Multicultural Kid Blogs
Pingback: Sharing Heritage with Children: Tonga {Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Blog Hop} | All Done Monkey
Pingback: 5 Ways to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Pingback: Heritage and Cultural Identity Crisis {Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Blog Hop} | Creative World Of Varya