Ask an adult to do this step. Choose one of the shorter ends. This will now be the top of your gong. The holes should be 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7. 6 cm) apart. The tip of a scissors blade could also be used instead of a pocket knife.
Each pipe cleaner should form a loop with the ends twisted together. You’ll need two loops (one in each hole). The loops should be 3 to 4 inches (7. 6 to 10 cm) in diameter.
You could use a broomstick, measuring stick, or other large stick instead of the cardboard tube if desired. Just make sure that the stick itself is longer than the width of your roasting pan gong. This tube or stick will act as the support for your gong.
For added security, you could hold the support in place using more pipe cleaners. Alternatively, you could use two large, thick books or any other evenly sized sturdy pieces instead of the chairs. This “stand” needs to be able to stay in place without additional support, though.
Instead of a chopstick, you could also use a wooden spoon or 12-inch (30. 5-cm) wooden dowel. The taped portion of the stick will be the head of your beater. The head should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) thick.
There are different options you can use for the filling. Pebbles, beans, rice, birdseed, beads, dry pasta, small washers, and paper clips will produce stronger noises. Sand, salt, and small erasers will produce quieter noises. You can also mix different filling materials inside one maraca or use a filling idea not mentioned here. The filling just needs to be small enough to shake around inside the maraca.
Only cut one slit down the length of the tube. Do not cut the tube completely in half. If working with a paper towel roll instead of a toilet paper roll, completely cut the paper towel roll in half crosswise before cutting it lengthwise. Only use one of these halves for one maraca handle.
The opening should be about 3/4 inch (1. 9 cm) in diameter, or just big enough to fit onto the cap snugly.
Wrap slowly and do not leave any gaps in between layers of tape. To make the maraca more decorative, use tape that comes in a bright color or pattern.
Use one piece of tape to cover the open bottom of the tube.
Consider using a different filling for your second maraca. Many real maracas have different pitches, and using different filling materials can mimic these different pitches. For instance, if you place beans in one and rice in another, the rice maraca will have a higher pitch.
Make sure that the stick is very sturdy. Use a hardwood branch, if possible. To make the instrument more colorful, you can decorate it with paint, feathers, beads, or other embellishments. Make sure that none of these decorations hang off from the top forked section of the stick, though. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/46/Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-14Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-14Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/46/Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-14Bullet2. jpg/aid5045432-v4-728px-Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-14Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:334,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:529,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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This step should be done by an adult. Do not touch the metal caps as they heat up. Only touch them using tongs. This step is technically optional, but following it will improve the final sound of the instrument.
Mainly, you’ll need to focus on flattening the raised, bumpy ridge around the outside of the cap. Work carefully to avoid striking your fingers. You may need to perform this step with adult supervision, as well.
Remove the nail after creating each hole. Work with an adult during this step to minimize the risk of injury.
The wire should be a little longer than the distance in between the widest part of the forked portion of the stick.
The wire should be wrapped around the top of the fork, or around the widest portion (if that portion differs from the top).
Some cans worth considering include soup cans, tuna cans, coffee cans, and pet food cans. If the top edge of the can seems jagged, apply a layer of thick tape to the rim to prevent any accidental cuts. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/b/b0/Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-21Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-21Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/b/b0/Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-21Bullet2. jpg/aid5045432-v4-728px-Make-Musical-Instruments-with-Recycled-Materials-Step-21Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:334,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:529,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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This step should be performed with adult supervision. Repeat this procedure with each can.
Use yarn, cord, or another type of thick string for this part of the process. There should be about 8 inches (20 cm) of string sticking out of the flat top of the tallest can. The rest of the lengths can vary, but the cans will need to be able to bump into each other as they hang.
You could use another object, like a rock, if washers are not available. The object should be heavy, though, so that it can create additional noise when it hits the side of the can.
The cans should overlap each other as they hang.
If you’re recycling used popsicle sticks, make sure that they have been washed and dried before using them for this project. Large popsicle sticks work best, but any size can be used.
Each strip of paper should be about 3/4 inch (1. 9 cm) wide and 3 inches (7. 6 cm) long. You will need to wrap the strip around itself several times. When taping the paper loop together, only tape the paper to itself. Do not tape it to either popsicle stick.
Set this stick aside for now. The other stick should still be inside the paper loops.
The rubber band should run from end to end. It should be taut, but not so tight that it can snap or fling off.
The two sticks should line up evenly when viewed from the top, bottom, and sides.
These rubber bands should be placed to the outside edge of the paper bands.
