Instruments of the World 6 th Grade General Music Meghann Becker

Wind Instruments

Didgeridoo Originates from Australia played while sitting cross legged on the ground a continuous note can be produced for as long as 20 minutes at a time if the player uses circular breathing Made out of wood (eucalyptus) accompanies dancing and singing in ceremonial rituals of Aboriginal groups of Australia

Rag Dhun Originates from Tibet Trumpet-type instrument used in rituals by Tibetan monks Sounds a drone for chants The largest Rag Dhun is 16 feet long

Algaita Originates from Africa A relative of the oboe Made out of wood, leather and brass Usually only played in the presence of local rulers Algaita players blow up their cheeks when inhaling air to play

Strings

Sitar Originates from Southern Asia (India) Has 18 or 19 strings dominant hand is used to pluck the string using a plectrum (similar to a guitar pick) called the mezrab Part of the lute (plucked string instrument with a fretted neck and a deep round back) family

Balalaika Originates from Russia Triangular body 3 strings In modern times, balalaikas come in 6 sizes: piccolo, prima secunda, alto, bass, and contrabass (from smallest to largest) Index finger used to sound notes on smaller balalaikas and a plectrum used on larger sizes

Psalmodikon Originates from Sweden One string, played with a bow invented to simplify music in churches and schools The frets are marked with a number, so the music could consist of a list of numbers with words to the song printed above them

Percussion

Bodhran (pronounced bow-rahn) Originates from Ireland Made of wood and goat skin The right hand uses a stick called a beater to strike the bodhran while the left hand is positioned in different spots on the opposite side to change the sound

Kotsuzumi Originates from Japan is held on the right shoulder and the player alters the tone by squeezing the laces A variety of the tsuzumi (hourglass-shaped drum) Played in koh and kabuki (ancient theatre)

Palo de lluvia Originates from Chile Also known as a “rainstick” Made out of dead cacti The thorns of the cactus branch are pressed into the hollow shaft to form a spiral pattern Filled with desert pebbles When turned upside down, the pebbles hit the thorns, making a “rain” sound