This Make Music Day, discover the instrument in everything by building instruments out of found objects – junkophones!
The performers and educators of Bash the Trash Environmental Arts, and percussionist/instrument-builder extraordinaire Craig Woodson from PlayDrums.com, have offered their innovative designs for wind, percussion and string instruments made from everyday refuse. These amazing instruments offer us an opportunity to look at “junk” and music-making in a whole new way.
Cities around the US will be hosting junkophonics workshops where people of all ages can make instruments from scratch together. There isn’t an event scheduled in your town? Don’t worry – instructional videos and printable sheets for all the instruments are below. Make your own and tag us @makemusicday!
Bash the Trash instruments
Rubber Band Box Guitar – YOU WILL NEED: a cardboard or styrofoam box, 3-5 rubber bands, and a paper towel roll (optional). Full instructions here.
4-in-1 Can – YOU WILL NEED: an aluminum can, a bit of shaky stuff, a piece of thick coated paper (like junk mail), and duct tape. Full instructions here.
Tube Trumpet – YOU WILL NEED: a paper towel roll, a water bottle, a file folder (optional) and duct tape. Full instructions here.
Balloon Drums – YOU WILL NEED: a stiff cardboard tube (or aluminum can, glass jar, or toilet paper roll), a balloon, and duct tape. Full instructions here.
Diddley Bow – YOU WILL NEED: a small plank of wood, an old guitar string, two nails and a glass jar. Full instructions here.
Packing Tape Drums – YOU WILL NEED: a stiff cardboard tube (or aluminum can or glass jar), and clear packing tape. Full instructions here.
Tube-tar – YOU WILL NEED: a sturdy cardboard tube (fabric size), fishing line, a tuna can, and a small block of wood. Full instructions here.
Craig Woodson’s Instruments
Cowbell – YOU WILL NEED: Any food can, dowel/pencil. Full instructions here.
Can Drum – YOU WILL NEED: Large (#10) can, packing tape, masking tape, stick/pencil. Full instructions here.