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BoomWhacker 101

Grade Level: Fourth Grade
Art Form: Music
Title of Lesson: BoomWhacker 101
Related Arts Standard(s): Music Standard Strands: Performing and Connecting

BoomWhackers are a popular instrument used to teach elementary students music. There are several fun play along videos available online that make music class interactive, gamified, and fun using current music selections students enjoy. Students using these instruments for the first time will need instruction in how to use them correctly to ensure the longevity of the instruments. The goal of this lesson is to get students using Boomwhackers, while working on steady beat concepts, to experience active music making and success from the start of using this new tool/instrument.

Materials Needed:

C Diatonic BoomWhackers (you will need mutiple sets depending on the size of your class).

Classroom Projector/Speaker or Smart Board with internet (way to play YouTube videos for the entire class with sound) 

Learning Objectives:

Students will play BoomWhackers using approved playing methods.

Students will make music using BoomWhackers, understand how to read the play along videos used in class, and be able to play along using BoomWhackers with a video.

Students will keep a steady beat. 

1.Introduce students to the following information regarding playing the BoomWhackers before the teacher passes them out. The teacher can hold one up to use to show the students as explaining the following guidelines/concepts:

a. Identify the sticker in the middle of the tube where students can see the Solfege name and the letter name of the tubes. Tell students that each BoomWhacker’s color corresponds to the letter name and only that letter name (pitch). Remind students these stickers are important and to not pick at the sticker so they stay in good condition.

b. Students should hold the tube in the middle of the area below the sticker.

c. When playing, strike the tube in the middle of the area above the sticker. Students should take care to not hit the middle of the tube, to avoid bending the instrument in half or denting it in the center.

d. Instruct students to play the BoomWhacker on approved surfaces only. The following are approved surfaces: the palm of your hand, the thigh of their leg, another BoomWhacker, the floor ONLY if the instrument is held parallel to the floor and hit from a few inches from the floor when playing (students should not slam the instrument into the floor, nor should they play on the tip of the BoomWhacker, to avoid denting the instrument). BoomWhackers are never to be played on chairs or tables, as they will easily dent and become damaged. Remind students BoomWhackers are not for play sword/lightsaber fighting.

2. Pass out BoomWhackers to the class. Do this by lining students up near where ever the instruments are stored in the room, and distributing BoomWhackers to each student. They do not get to choose their own color, so establish this from the beginning as this is something the teacher does since the teacher knows the notes needed for each song. If there are enough instruments for every student to have two of the same color, allow this so students can play the instruments on eachother (the easiest way to play), otherwise start with one tube each and students can use their hand or the floor to start.

3. After all instruments are distributed, if students have two or are going to play on their hands have them sit where they originally sat (chairs are okay). If students are playing on the floor, have them sit on the floor spread out with enough room between them to play on the floor.. Check for understanding of the previously introduced rules/guidelines. Ask each student to find their letter name (pitch) and Solfege name. Ask students to raise their hand if they have certain colors/pitches/Solfege names. Ask students to show how to hold the instrument. Ask students to point to where to strike the instrument in order to make a sound. Reinforce concepts as needed.

4. Once concepts are clear, have the students echo the teacher playing their BoomWhacker using rhythms and demonstrating proper playing technique on the designated approved (and desired) surface for the day.

5. Next introduce a BoomWhacker Play Along video. Play the video and pause after the beginning to show how the video will work. I like Swick’s Classroom Videos on YouTube and recommend choosing one that is set to a steady beat to start with (some videos are syncopated). Tell and show students that the low C is the red C on the left side of the screen and the high C is the red C on the right side of the screen (this matches the layout on a piano and other instruments students may have previous exposure to, like xylophones). All the other notes match the color tubes are in the middle. Go through each note and the location designated on the screen, and point to each of the notes. Have students raise their BoomWhacker when their tube corresponds with where the teacher points in order for students to demonstrate knowledge of where to look on the screen when playing.

6. Before each student plays their instrument, instruct students to place their BoomWhacker in their lap for a minute. Using a pre-selected play along video, have students all pretend they have the same note/tube (designate this note based on the video you are using and the one that is the main note used in the song). Instruct students to clap their hands every time that note is to be played. All students should clap at the same time, and only when that one note is being played. This will ensure understanding of how to play the video using the tubes. Clap through the video, with the teacher clapping along as a model.

7. After students have demonstrated their understanding, have the students pick up their BoomWhackers and play the video using their actual BoomWhacker(s). Repeat the song multiple times. If the teacher feels inclined, allow students to swap BoomWhackers with friends or those not being used, to try a new note and play through the song again. 

To conclude the lesson, have the class play through a new song using the BoomWhackers. Students should be able to demonstrate proper playing technique and play their pitch/note at the proper time when using a steady beat song. At the end of the lesson, have students line back up to put away their instruments. Before students leave for the day, ask students to recall what they learned this lesson. Have students volunteer what they learned through a quick raise of hands and call on students.

Extension: Once students are able to demonstrate playing their BoomWhacker(s) on the steady beat at the right time using one pitch successfully, feel free to add a second pitch. Upper grades students can handle the complexity of playing two different notes often quickly; however, lower grade students may not be ready for this yet. When students play two different pitches, have students play on the floor with one tube in each hand (they can play on their legs, but this hurts more). Play through videos and have students play along, focusing on playing a steady beat and rhythm reading along with chosen videos.

NOTE: Throughout the lesson, if students play on their body (hands or legs) they will inevitably tell the teacher that their body hurts. Remind students that they are in charge of how hard they hit/play the instrument and they do not need to hit it hard to make a good sound. They should play these instruments gently to avoid hurting themselves. 

Swick's Classroom Channel