In my classroom, I had what most teachers have: a random assortment of hand percussion selected by someone many years ago. A few cowbells, some jingles, a strange number of sand blocks, you know the drill.
Hand percussion is such a valuable tool for the elementary classroom, but if you’re supplementing your weird collection or starting from scratch, where do you start? As a devoted Artie Almeida follower, I found a lot of guidance in her book “Woods, Metals, Shakers, Skins” on HOW to use these instruments and which ones I wanted.
West Music’s proprietary brand, Basic Beat, is here to help. With high-quality, percussionist and teacher-tested instruments at a budget-friendly price, Basic Beat instruments are the best way to get all the percussion you need. Let’s take a look:
Woods
If I had to teach with only one instrument, I would choose Lummi sticks. Ranging in size for small to big hands, and available in plastic or wood, these instruments provide rhythmic opportunities galore.
A classic woodblock is an amazing introduction to that wood sound. Great for teaching the science of sound, as finding the best resonating space is key, students love the cutting sound of this beat-keeping staple.
Castanets are a fun introduction to world instruments. Add a Latin flair to your ensemble with these easy-to-play castanets on a handle!
Metals
No classroom is complete without a solid set of sleigh bells. The holiday sound is delightful for students, and these are lightweight and super kid-friendly.
Another amazing dive into the science of sound is the humble Triangle. Great for explaining how vibration makes sound, and always there to add a lovely “ding” to your ensemble, I always suggest having a handful of these around. Don’t worry if those holders or strikers wander off. You can snag a few extras and be ready for anything.
https://www.westmusic.com/drums-percussion/percussion-stands-hardware/concert-percussion-stands-hardware/256003“MORE COWBELL” might not be something you shout in your classroom, but it is an important beat-keeper in your ensemble. One or two solid cowbells will keep your groups together and give that kid who needs something loud the perfect instrument.
Shakers
Egg shakers never get old. The fun colors, bright sound, and ease of play for all ages make them a well-loved classic for a reason. Having a class set is a game-changer.
Softer than their plastic counterparts, these wood maracas are a great option in the shaker family. They’re easy to hold and fun to play, making them a great addition to your world instrument collection.
A little less typical is the Shekere. I love these instruments because of the variation in sounds, rhythms, and colors you can produce. If you’re a World Music Drumming fan, these are a must.
Skins
Frame drums with synthetic heads are sturdy enough for daily use but don’t sacrifice anything in terms of sound quality. These pre-tuned frame drums come in varying sizes, and you can always grab a set to give you a variety of pitches.
For the student who is ready to oversee two pitches of percussion at once, bongos are an amazing choice. Students can create their own patterns to accompany all sorts of pieces, and the small size makes them portable and easy to store.
Need a little bit of everything? Do you love guiros more than woodblocks? Contact your West Music Sales Consultant at nationalconsultants@westmusic.com for a custom package of exactly the percussion you need.
Basic Beat is here for all your classroom needs. Take a look at all the options today.
Liz Hartley spent nine years in the elementary classroom in North Carolina and began as a National Sales Consultant with West Music in 2022. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in saxophone performance, then went on to receive her master’s in music education with a concentration in choral conducting from the University of Florida. She holds her first Orff level from Appalachian State and is a member of AOSA and her local chapter, Central Carolina. She served as the music director for the Justice Theater Project’s summer camps for five years and continues to serve on their events committee. When she isn’t up to her elbows in music education, Liz loves to dance, performing in recitals with other adults throughout the year.
