Instrumental Activity Book - African Composition: Chanting and Drumming

In an engaging and hands-on activity designed to immerse children in African musical traditions, the class is divided into four groups, with each group assigned a specific sentence to chant rhythmically. The sentences, such as "Strolls through the jungle" and "Swinging in the tree tops," are allocated beats to guide the chanting tempo. The groups begin by sequentially adding their chants to build a layered soundscape. Following a cue, the children then incorporate instruments, playing them in sync with the rhythm of their chants. To enhance the auditory experience, some children use bird whistles and rainmakers, adding natural elements to the atmosphere.

The activity offers flexibility in execution, allowing choices between chanting alone, or combining chanting with instrumental play. Instructors can also manipulate the group dynamics by bringing different groups in or out, altering the texture of the composition. The leader or a selected child may add complex drum rhythms to contribute additional layers to the soundscape. This method of chanting and drumming can captivate the children, often leading to extended sessions of musical exploration. The concept of creating 'soundscapes' can be adapted to various topics, enriching the activity with thematic poetry or storytelling, thus providing a versatile and dynamic approach to learning through music.