Make a MUSIC WALL!

Make a MUSIC WALL!

Ms Sue's Music Wall!

  Miss Carole of Macaroni Soup here – and I’m all about participatory music. This idea is about as Jump-Right-In as it gets!  “Ms Sue” Nierman, a friend and collaborator from the Children’s Music Network brought the MUSIC WALL idea to my attention – and I can’t wait to get building at one of the schools where I teach!  Just look at this picture – don’t YOU want to play here?  I DO!

   The idea is to find household items, percussive instruments (or pieces of former instruments), or anything that would make a pleasing or interesting sound when rubbed, struck or plucked, attach it to a “wall”, and let the kids have at it!

    What’s your space?  What do you use?  How do you attach the stuff?

   There are no “rules” – got a backyard fence you don’t mind putting some nails, cup hooks, screws into?  If not, what about scavengering for a piece of fence that’s been used, or a new section of fence at a garden or hardware store's end-of-summer sale?  An 8’ strip of lattice or trellis?  Be creative – do it inexpensively!  

                                     Recycle, Re-use, ROCK ON!

 Check out Filth Wizardry: Music Wall to see another Music Wall - this one by Lindsey and her 3 little girls.  There's some great up-close pictures of how things are attached - and her original inspiration - The Music Tree!

   I suggest not trying to teach your child(ren) how to use it.  Let your MUSIC WALL be a place of discovery.  For a Family Music Wall at your home, get everyone involved.  Check your garage, kitchen, basement – wonderfully musical things lurk there!  I plan to put an old bicycle wheel (ok, so my husband doesn’t know he’s donating it yet, but he must have one to spare!) on a large nail.  I envision it being spun while the kids take a small metal spatula to the spokes to make them sing!  I also have a xylophone with a few bars missing – but the remaining bars make beautiful tones!  It’s going on my wall.

A MUSIC WALL can be a constantly evolving creation.  It can be big or small.  It can be permanent or seasonal. It doesn’t even have to be a wall!  How about an old ladder – just attach things on the rungs so that it can’t be climbed from either side – safety first!

     If you make one – send me a picture.  I’d love to see MUSIC WALLS all over the world – yeah, I think big!

What could you sing with a MUSIC WALL?  How about “I Am A Fine Musician!”  It’s on my “Sticky Bubble Gum” cd. If you need a melody refresher, or hear it here.  It's the JULY Song of the Month on my Macaroni Soup website.

LYRICS:  I am a fine musician, that’s what people say

                I am a fine musician, that’s what people say

                I play on the Wall, I play on the Wall, I play the on Wall all day!

                I play on the Wall, I play on the Wall, I play on the Wall all day!

         For more information about The Children’s Music Network, check out the website or email me.  That’s where I first found out about a MUSIC WALL!- on CMN's email list.   We’re a network of people involved with children, music, and networking – and our International Conference is just outside Chicago October 12 – 14.  Early Bird rates are in effect until August 10.  I guarantee an experience that will enrich, enliven and excite!

 

            Yours for a bing-bang-boom Song!

            “Miss Carole” Stephens

            MacaroniSoup! Active Music for Kids!