Ideas For Boomwhackers®

Rockin' Rap with Boomwhackers®

Submitted by Pamela Rezach, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Idea posted 2003-10-29

Here is how I use Boomwhackers® with the Rockin' Rhythm Raps CD and rhythm sheets.

I make transparencies of each of the rhythm sheets. I place the transparency so that all of the students can see it. We practice reading the rhythms by saying and clapping them.

My students know the basic note names of all the chords. They use my GBDFACE, GBDFACE repetitive memory series to conquer this knowledge. If they memorize the seven letters in this order they can figure out any of the basic notations to all chords. For instance: I say, "C chord," they answer back, "CEG" because they know the order of these seven letters. I say, "E chord," they answer back "EGB." If sharps or flats are needed, I just tell them what is to be sharp and/or flat.

I hand out the CEGBD Boomwhackers®. (I have plenty for everyone because I made my own sets out of the golf tubes.) I place the C and E Boomwhackers® on the left side of the room, the G's stand/sit in the middle of the room, and the B's and D's stand/sit on the right side of the room. The G's have it easy because they know they are to play during the whole exercise, because they belong in both chords. The C's and E's know they are to play on the next beat when I say, "Ready C." The B's and D's know they are to play when I say, "Ready G." It works! I usually change the chords every four or eight measures depending on the exercise. When the Boomwhackers® are to play, they play the rhythms that are shown on the transparency.

What I can't remember is if I use the CD with this. I know I do if the CD is just rhythm, but if the CD includes melody or harmony, I can't use it with the Boomwhackers®. You'd think I remember, but I don't! :) I do remember how much the students loved doing this. And I'm pretty sure we used the CD; actually, I'm almost positive.