Instrumental Activity Book - Anything Goes

The "Anything Goes" activity from the Instrumental Activity Book is a captivating musical game designed to encourage improvisation among children. The setup is simple: two xylophones or chime bar sets are placed in the middle of a circle formed by the children, with each instrument accompanied by a pair of beaters. As the children chant a rhythmic phrase, they pass a beanbag around the circle in time with the pulse. When the chant concludes on the word 'me', the child holding the beanbag selects a partner, and together they sit opposite each other ready to play the instruments.

The essence of the game is for the children to take turns creating spontaneous melodies on the xylophones or chime bars, starting with the child who initially had the beanbag. To signal the end of the improvisation session, another child is given a cymbal or bell to chime in after a short while. The goal is to foster a musical dialogue between the partners, with each child responding to the other's notes. It may take some time for the children to fully grasp the concept of playing any sequence of notes they desire, and they may need gentle reminders that playing multiple notes simultaneously is also an option. The activity not only aids in developing improvisational skills but also promotes listening and interaction as they engage in this musical exchange.