Submitted by Tim Lutz, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Idea posted April 2, 2002

I used this idea for reading two part harmony in my fifth grade classes. Using Boomwhackers®, we studied the piano piece "Chopsticks" to play two different parts at once. Only the "A" section of the piece was explored.

We began by looking at an overhead (prepared using Finale NotePad) of both parts and labeled each pitch as a whole class activity. We did the same for both the melody and harmony parts. Each one was on a separate sheet. After both parts were analyzed, students watched as I slid both sheets together to see how they line up. I explained that this is what the piano score for the piece might look like. They thought that was awesome.

Next, I laid out the Boomwhackers® and invited eight players to come forward. We discussed which section of the tubes would play melody and the other harmony. We played very slowly at first, following the overhead transparencies.

As time passed, all students got their turn at playing. They were amazed with the results.

We critiqued the performances based on rhythmic and melodic accuracy.

The idea was such a great success we even included it in our Spring Concert. The performance included a scale-like warm-up and the piece played two times. The students created a "walk on" rhythm which they played as they approached the performance area. All tubes played this pattern at the same time. To my surprise, it sounded quite good. They also used this rhythm to leave the performance area to put the tubes away.

Many people attending the concert commented how "cool" it was to see and hear a piece done on Boomwhackers®. I hope to use Boomwhackers® again in my future concerts.