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Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments

August 11, 2013 by Mama Carmody 45 Comments

Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments




This post, “Fun with Music: Brass Instruments”, is written in collaboration with Shannon Wijnker, who used to blog on Mamamusing. Shannon is a music teacher and mother of four.

What is your favorite woodwind instrument; flute, saxophone, recorder or some other? Are you aware of all the woodwind instruments available for your playing and listening pleasure. I would suggest reading either “Woodwind (Instruments and Music)” by Daniel Nunn (for the younger child) or “Wind Instruments (How the World Makes Music)” by Anita Ganeri (for older children). You will see more details about these books below in the Story Time section.

Playtime
Craft
Musical Outings
Story Time
Games Online
Related Posts

Playtime

When you were younger, did you ever make a whistle with a blade of grass? That blade of grass works like the reed in a woodwind instrument. When you blow over the blade of grass it vibrates which causes the air to vibrate and the result is a whistling sound. If you have never done this here is what you do. Take a wide piece of grass and place it between your thumbs. Place your mouth over your knuckles and blow. Were you able to make a whistling sound? Sometimes it takes practice, just keep working on it. This is a fun thing to teach your children, they will think you are amazing.

Shannon from Mamamusing shared that a recorder is great for children to experiment with (and it is a woodwind instrument). You can find them very inexpensively at the dollar store. She also says, “Remember that it’s not just about making a beautiful sound, but playing and exploring the concept of sound. Children learn best by constructing their own concepts and ideas, and by trial and error. They will learn how to create a variety of sounds. Some of which they will like and some they will decide they don’t. Your concept of what is acceptable sound may vary from theirs. But be patient and let them explore.”

“A great resource for teaching them music (and how to play the recorder) is a magazine called “The Recorder Classroom”. I believe there are 4 issues printed so far. You can download both the music and accompanying mp3s online. They are fun to play and I find my students are motivated to learn the music, when they have great accompaniments to play along with.”

“As a child, this toy (by Fisher Price) was a great way to experiment with sound. I don’t know if you can still buy it in stores, but if you find it at a garage sale, or used online – it is a great toy! Or the saxoflute is another great option, because the child can build their own instrument with the various plastic pieces of tube. The sound created (high or low) will depend on the pieces they choose to use.”

Fisher Price Crazy Horn Set
Fisher Price Crazy Horn Set

*** You can find the Fisher Price version on eBay, as it has been discontinued by Fisher Price. You can find a similar toy on Amazon.com  The Quercetti Saxoflute.

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Craft

Wind Instrument Made from Straws

Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments: Craft
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft

This craft is adapted  from Learning Ideas – Grades K -8


Materials Needed:

Drinking straws
Cardboard
Glue
Ruler
Scissors
Duct Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut 2 rectangular pieces of cardboard. (approx. 5 by 2 inches) I used scrap cardboard from an old box.
2. Cut the straws in varying lengths. I used 3”, 4”, 5”, 6” & 7”. You can use more straws and different lengths if you would like.

Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft

3. I didn’t trust simply trying to glue the straws into place because it has been my experience that plastic straws and glue are not long time friends so I glued down duct tape (sticky side up) to help secure the straws into place.

Adding Glue and Tape
Adding Glue and Tape

4. Let the glue dry completely then place the straws on the tape, in order of length.

Placing straws for woodwind craft
Placing straws for woodwind craft

5. Place the second piece of cardboard on top (having all ready glued the tape into place).

Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft - Attaching other piece of cardboard
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft – Attaching other piece of cardboard

6. Since I used scrap cardboard I then added some brightly colored duct tape to decorate my wind instrument. Your child could color or paint it if you would like.
7. To hear the different sounds the instrument makes you need to blow across the top of the straws not straight into them.

Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments Craft

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Musical Outings

Take your children to any place that live music is being played. In Indianapolis, you can find many places that give free outdoor concerts during the summer. Maybe you have the same opportunities in your area. Outdoor concerts are a great way to introduce your children to live music because they can sit in their own lawn chair, on a blanket or even get up and dance around a little. Maybe you have older children or neighbors that participate in a school band. Take your children to see them. Expose your children to many types of music. Take the time to talk about what they are hearing, how it makes them feel and the different instruments they are seeing and hearing.

Shannon from Mamamusing wants you to know: “In London, there are several outdoor concerts and festivals in Victoria Park during the summer. One of the best is Sunfest (beginning of July). You can check out a video of my kids enjoying the multicultural music and dancing byclicking here.”

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Story Time

Below you will find books that discuss the many different types of woodwind instruments and some are devoted to one type of woodwind instrument. Have fun exploring and learning about woodwind instruments with your child.

Clarinets (Music Makers) by Pamela K. Harris
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Give your child the opportunity to learn about clarinets with this interesting book by Pamela K. Harris. The book covers many aspects of the clarinet; from the way it is made to how it is played. The illustrations are pictures of actual clarinets and people playing them. Enjoy learning about this special woodwind instrument; the clarinet.

Flutes (Musical Instruments of the World) by Barrie Carson Turner
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
This book has a lot of information in it but it is laid out nicely. The book introduces you to 18 flutes from around the world. You will find some flutes that look familiar to you and there are others you may have never seen before. Each instrument has it’s own page so if you just want to cover the familiar ones or if you want to break the book up into different sessions it is laid out well for that. Although this book is for a little bit older child you could use it with a younger child by becoming familiar with the text and then simply point out and discuss the different instruments rather than reading it word for word.

Flutes (Music Makers) by Pamela K. Harris
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Give your child the opportunity to learn about flutes with this interesting book by Pamela K. Harris. The book covers many aspects of the flute; from the way they are played to how they are made. Your child will get to see flutes from several different countries. The illustrations are of flutes and people playing them. Enjoy learning about this special woodwind instrument; the flute.

Saxophones by Sharon Sharth
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Saxophones are a part of a group of instruments called woodwinds. This book will help you and your child learn a lot about saxophones. You will be able to see the different shapes and sizes they come in. You will find out how music is played on a saxophone. Did you know a saxophone can make many of the same sounds that we do with our voices? The illustrations in this book are actual photos of saxophones and people playing them. Share this book with your child so they can learn more about this popular instrument.

Wind Instruments (How the World Makes Music) by Anita Ganeri
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
This book covers many different wind instruments from around the world. They are all played by blowing into them but that is about the only thing that is common to all of them. Some wind instruments have simple carved mouthpieces, some use a reed in their mouthpiece and some even use two reeds. Most wind instruments are played with the musicians mouth but there are a few that are played with the nose. Be sure to pick this book up to learn a lot about wind instruments. See how many you recognize.

Woodwind (Instruments and Music: Level I) by Daniel Nunn
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8 yrs old
This is a great book to introduce your young one to woodwind instruments. It has simple text that will allow your child to understand and learn about these special instruments. There are wonderful pictures of musicians playing different woodwind instruments from around the world with just a couple of sentences per page. I can’t wait to share this with the little ones in my life.

Music Makers: Woodwind Instruments by Elizabeth Reid
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Give your child the opportunity to learn about woodwind instruments with this interesting book by Elizabeth Reid. Your child will get to learn about the many different types of woodwind instruments. They will see woodwinds from several different countries.They will learn how they are made and the different ways they are played. The illustrations are pictures of actual woodwind instruments and people playing them. Enjoy learning about woodwind instruments. Which one is your favorite?

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Games Online

Shannon from Mamamusing shares some fun online games:

Now that you have introduced your children to some of the various instrument families in the orchestra, you may want to visit the Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. This is a website created by Carnegie Hall which is a wonderfully FREE interactive online game for young children to explore and learn more about the various instruments of the orchestra. You will need to use a computer, because the game requires Adobe Flash, which you can download for free (if you don’t already have this utility installed on your computer).

There is also a wonderful set of books for children ages 4 to 8 years old that helps them learn different musical concepts. Along with the books the author, Sharon Burch, has a website with coloring pages and games for your child to enjoy and enhance their learning experience: Freddie the Frog Games and Coloring Pages

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Related Posts

Music at an Early Age by Shannon at Mamamusing
Fun with Music – Overview
Fun with Music – Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards

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Filed Under: Music Tagged With: children and music, educational activities, elementary lessons, elementary school, fun learning, fun with music, instruments, learning about instruments, learning concepts, learning fun, learning opportunities, love, love to laugh, love to laugh and learn, love to learn, making learning fun, music, preschool, woodwind instruments, Woodwinds

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

September 23, 2014 by Mama Carmody 2 Comments

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day





Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

I was very excited for the opportunity to take my great-nephew, Jeremiah, to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) free community day. We have been taking him to outdoor concerts since he was a few months old. My husband plays in a couple of concert bands and big bands so it’s been fun to have the little one with me to enjoy the music. Outdoor concerts are great for kids because they don’t have to sit perfectly still and quiet; they can get up and move to the music.

Last winter I was playing with the idea of taking Jeremiah to one of my husband’s indoor concerts but since he was only 2 years old I was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to sit still and stay quiet. When I heard about the ISO’s free community day, I thought this was just what I was looking for.

Interactive Opportunities

The ISO offered an afternoon of entertaining and interactive events. The activities started at 2:00 p.m.. As we walked towards Hilbert Circle Theatre we could hear the ISO percussionists demonstrating their drumming skills.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

There were drums, scattered around on the sidewalk, for all to join in. Jeremiah was not impressed with the drums but this little girl really seemed to have fun. She got a kick out of my husband squatting down and playing a drum next to her.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

As we entered the theatre, we received free tickets for an ISO concert that would start at 5:00 p.m.. They also gave us raffle tickets for several giveaways.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Playing the violin

There were so many activities going on that it was hard to choose where to start. We decided on heading to the Wood Room on the 2nd floor. There we were able to try different string instruments. My husband tried the cello while Jeremiah learned about the violin. Jeremiah so loved the violin that we went back to that room 2 more times. He even “played” with a group towards the end of the day.

 

 

 

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: “You Conduct”

Next we went to “You Conduct” with Adam Bodony. Jeremiah was not interested in trying his hand at conducting, but we stood in the back and followed the directions we were given. Here is one brave young man that took the opportunity to conduct the string quartet.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Meet the Musicians

Listening Opportunities

There were several different ISO ensemble performances happening throughout the venue. We listened to one performing on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage and then headed outside to listen to another. We were please to see our dear friend and principal trumpet for the ISO, Chappy Perry, playing with the brass group.

Since the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance was at 5:00, and it was general seating, we headed into the main theatre at 4:00 p.m.. The brass group was now playing inside, on the stage, so we had the pleasure of listening to them again. Pat took Jeremiah up on the stage so he see what it was like to be up there. Jeremiah also needed the signature of a trombone player on his “Meet the Musician” activity sheet; now he was in reasonable proximity to get it.

The Concert

The concert was the one thing that I wasn’t sure we could get through, with a 3 year old, but I wanted to give it a try. We sat up towards the front because, from my experience, the best way to keep his attention was to have him where he could actually see what was happening on stage (with as few distractions between him and the musicians as possible). I let him stand up, squat down in the floor, climb up into the seat and then repeat the process several times, prior to the concert. I explained to him that once the concert started he would have to sit quietly and only whisper when he had something to say.

Once the Concertmaster entered the stage and starting tuning the orchestra, I told Jeremiah it was time to get up in his seat. He climbed right up and turned to listen. I was actually very proud of his behavior for the 45 minute concert. He wiggled in his seat a little but nothing too distracting and he remembered to whisper whenever he had something to say. He clapped each time it was appropriate and even stood with us during the standing ovation.

Secondary Lessons

Besides learning about the symphony orchestra, I had some secondary lessons I wanted Jeremiah to experience. We got dressed up to attend the event. It was not necessary, we could have worn blue jeans and tee shirts but I wanted Jeremiah to realize that there are some special occasions that we should dress up for. I believe some other parent’s had the same idea from the looks for these two well dressed youngsters.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

Jeremiah’s mom has taught him well, in using please and thank you, but an additional lesson we worked on was to look at the person he was thanking. We also taught Jeremiah how to shake hands and say, “Pleased to meet you.” He did a wonderful job and seemed very proud of his new skills.

All in all, I thought the day was a complete success. I was happy to see so many families with young children; although you wouldn’t have to have children to enjoy this day. I can’t wait until next year to do this again. I hope to see you there!

Families at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

Related Posts

Fun with Music
Meet the Musicians
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards
Music at an Early Age by Mamamusing
Generally Having Fun with Music
Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Filed Under: Articles, Music, Reviews Tagged With: band, children, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indy, instruments, kid friendly, kids, learning about instruments, music, music fun, orchestra, symphony, symphony orchestra

Meet the Musicians

September 11, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

Meet the Musicians

I have created a fun, interactive activity for my great-nephew to use this weekend during a special music event. I wanted to share it with my readers, because even if you aren’t from the Indianapolis area, you might find a local event for your child to use it.

The Event

This weekend the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is hosting a free Community Day. I am so excited! We have been taking our great-nephew to outdoor summer concert band and big band events since he was a few months old. Now we have the opportunity to introduce him to the symphony orchestra. He has shown interest in learning what the different instruments are but this will be his first time to experience the string instruments.

One of the features of the event is being able to meet the musicians and see the instruments up close. I created the activity below so my great-nephew would have a reason to interact a little more closely with the musicians while also learning the names of the instruments.

Meet the Musicians Activity

Click on the image below to get your downloadable activity sheet. I would suggest printing it on cardstock so that it holds up better. Take along a fine point permanent marker (or two) for the musicians to use. Have your child identify the instrument the musician is playing and match it to one on the sheet. Once the musicians are finished with their performance politely approach them (being careful to avoid bumping their instruments) and ask them to sign across the picture of the instrument they play. Besides learning to identify the instruments, your child will be learning to interact with others (using please and thank you). We are going to use this opportunity for an additional lesson; teaching our great-nephew about shaking hands (he is 3 years old).

I would love to hear about your experience with the activity sheet. Please come back and leave a comment.

Meet the Musicians Activity Sheet
Meet the Musicians Activity Sheet

Free Community Day with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO)
See my September Family Friendly Events post for more details.
Doors open at 2:00
Concert begins at 5:00 p.m.
Free

Related Posts

Fun with Music – Overview
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards
Music at an Early Age by Mamamusing
Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Acknowledgements

Dancing Crayon DesignsThe images for the Meet the Musicians Activity were created by Dancing Crayon Designs

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Filed Under: Music Tagged With: concert, Concerts for kids, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, instruments, meet the musicians, music, musical instruments, musicians, symphony orchestra

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