1 Introduction to Bucket Drumming
This is a video introduction to bucket drumming.
Bucket Drumming Lesson 1
Concepts:
In this lesson you will
- find “sticks” and “buckets” in your house so you can try bucket drumming
- learn how to hold your sticks
- learn how to alternate hands, and learn right hand lead
- play 4 bar rhythms with music
Supporting Resources
Objectives
- I can hold sticks using good hand position
- I can play patterns alternating hands, using right hand lead
- I can play buckets with music
- I can create my own patterns to play on buckets
Teaching Procedure
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2 Find something at home to use for drumsticks
Find something at home to use for drumsticks. You could use two wooden spoons, chopsticks, dowels, or metal spoons
3 Find something to use for a bucket
You could use a 5 gallon bucket, ice cream bucket or even a cardboard box.
4 How to hold drumsticks
To hold drumsticks, (or wooden spoons) pinch the stick between your thumb and the knuckle of your pointer finger. Loosely wrap the other three fingers around the stick.
Don’t use a fist grip. Don’t use a pointer grip.
5 Exercise 1 and 2
Exercise 1: Tap each stick on the top of the bucket 8 times with each hand. Repeat 4x
Exercise 2: Tap each stick on the top of the bucket 4 times with each hand. Repeat 4x
R= right hand L=left hand
Try these exercises with the music in the next step.
Repeat the exercises until the music stops.
6 Play Exercise 1 and 2 with music
Play Exercise 1 and 2 with music
7 Exercise 3 and 4
Exercise 3: Practice alternating hands. Repeat 4x
Notice that you start each measure with the right hand.
Exercise 4: Practice a rhythm with 8th notes. Repeat 4x
Continue to start each measure with the right hand.
Try these exercises with the music in the next step. Repeat each exercise 4x.
Repeat each exercise as needed until the music ends.
8 Play Exercise 3 and 4 with music
Play Exercise 3 and 4 with music.
Repeat each exercise 4x.
Repeat each exercise as needed until the music ends.
9 Play your buckets along with the rhythm patterns
Play your buckets along with the rhythm patterns
10 Create your own pattern
Create your own pattern or patterns.
Remember to start each measure with the right hand.
Try out your pattern with the music in the next step.
11 Play the patterns you've created with the music
Play the patterns you've created with the music
Repeat each pattern 4x.
If you can remember exercises 1-2-3-4 play them with the music too!
12 Try the exercises and your patterns with a song you know
This link takes you to the Kidzbop recording of Old Town Road.
Try the exercises and your patterns with this song or with a song you like.
13 Assessment Suggestions
Assessment may not be required for your school or district.
Your teacher may ask you to email the bucket patterns that you created.
14 Music IS Literacy
Parents, Teachers and Administration:
Music education is important for children.
Whether in class or at home, keep our children singing, playing, moving, listening and creating music!
