Instrumental Activity Book - Who will be Next?

"Who will be Next?" is an engaging musical activity designed for children to enjoy in a group setting, typically arranged in a circle. The game involves two xylophones or chime bar sets placed at the center of the circle, with each instrument accompanied by a pair of beaters. As the children chant a rhythmic tune, they pass a beanbag around the circle in time with the pulse of the chant. The excitement builds as they anticipate who will end up with the beanbag when the chant reaches the word 'me'.

The lucky child holding the beanbag at this pivotal moment gets to select a partner, and together, they sit opposite one another in front of the instruments to embark on a 'musical conversation'. This involves taking turns to improvise melodies on the xylophones or chime bars, communicating through the language of music. To add an element of surprise, another child in the circle is given a cymbal or a bell, which they can ring to signal the end of the musical dialogue. This fun and creative game is not only a delightful way for children to practice improvisation but also helps them to gain confidence in their musical abilities. It encourages them to explore different sounds, including the possibility of playing multiple notes simultaneously, and to express themselves freely through their musical choices.