Making Music

March 1, 2004
Gr 3-5-Using easy-to-follow directions and examples drawn from musical forms from around the globe, Wiseman and Langstaff invite children to explore the world of music by showing them how to create their own instruments and rhythms. The projects incorporate everything from forks and pencils to clay pots and drinking glasses. Unfortunately, many of the activities would best be completed with adult assistance, a fact that is not always made clear in the text, so careful reading by adults is advised. For example, in "Pot Cover Cymbals," readers are instructed to "Unscrew knobs from covers. Thread string through holes. Use knots or buttons to keep lids from slipping." This is no easy task for young fingers and perhaps an unpleasant surprise for unsuspecting parents hoping to cook with those coverless pots. In other places, children are told to "Drill or poke holes" or to "Hammer bottle caps flat," without any safety warnings. Still, with some help and a little patience, young musicians can create many types of percussion instruments, pipes, and even some stringed instruments. Old-fashioned black-and-red illustrations appear throughout; they help to clarify the steps and add a bit of interest.-Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.