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5 Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Bucket Drumming

4/28/2015

13 Comments

 
5 Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Bucket Drumming
Mistake #1: Focusing on novelty instead of music
         
It is unique and unusual to use a bucket as a musical instrument. Use this novelty to grab the attention of your students but don't over do it. Don’t waste too much time marveling with your students about how unusual it is that a bucket or chair leg can make a great timbre. In other words: Ignore the instruments and focus on the music.  

FIX: Instead, focus on the timbre each instrument creates. Emphasize the character of the sound, while de-emphasizing how strange the instrument is. Capture the attention of your students by performing different timbres on the same instrument.  

Mistake #2: Getting students hopes up by showing Stomp at the beginning of the unit

Don’t get me wrong: Stomp is great. But it’s a theatrical show performed by adults, so don't show it at the beginning of the unit. The danger is that your students could be disappointed when they realize their performance isn't as fully choreographed or sophisticated. 

Fix: Show stomp when you need to increase the creativity in class. Manage student expectations by showing videos that are similar to what will actually happen in their class, especially videos with performers close to the students' actual age. 

Or better yet, at the beginning of the unit, YOU perform for the students. You don’t need a masters degree in percussion to sound like a boss on a bucket. Just practice two or three fancy sounding things; students will assume that you can play 100 fancy things(even if you can't!). More importantly, performing for your students shows that you are competent and capable. And nothing is more realistic or motivating than live performance. I will perform for two or three minutes at the beginning of the first class to prime student interest. Which leads me to #3...

Mistake #3: Thinking you can't do it because you're not the drumming type

Just because you aren't a card-carrying drummer, doesn't mean you should be intimidated by bucket drumming. I'm not the world's greatest singer, but I sing in my class because my students need to sing in order to learn. Your students also need to drum, so pick up those sticks and fake it until you make it.   

Fix: Even if you’ve never touched a pair of drum sticks in your life, you simply need a little practice(maybe 5 minutes) and you will be more awesome at drumming than a 3rd grader (or whatever grade you teach). Maybe attend this workshop and keep your goal realistic: "I just need to drum two grade levels about my students. I don't need to be a pro."

Learn these two cool sounding (but simple to learn) grooves from:
The Bucket Book
Bucket Groove #9
Bucket Groove #13
Mistake #4: Using too many buckets

Big Classes + Buckets are loud = Cacophony (and maybe hearing damage)

FIX: Have students work in partners. Both students have sticks; one drums on the bucket, the other drums on their legs. This cuts your bucket count in half. Your ears will thank you.

Mistake #5: Forgetting about movement

Fix: Get those students out of those chairs and moving around the classroom. Here are some ideas to start with:
Also check out this post for another example of bucket movement: Chaotic But Awesome Bucket Movement Activity

Learn how to avoid these mistakes and a lot more by attending the Summer Junkyard Percussion Workshop. Hands on experience, lesson plans, and food!

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13 Comments
Suzanne Hogan
4/28/2015 09:53:53 am

Looks like fun. I have 20 buckets. looking forward to using the book

Reply
David Birrow
4/28/2015 11:21:02 am

Awesome, let me know how it goes or if you have any questions!

Reply
Mary K.
5/8/2016 05:47:54 pm

I just picked up your book and have a FULL set of buckets, but I'm wondering how to keep the buckets from hermetically sealing together when stacked? AND, if I happen to have them stuck together, what can I do to get them apart? Thanks - Mary

Reply
David
5/10/2016 09:31:51 am

Great question. While there is no sure-fire way to keep them from getting stuck together, here are a few tips:

1. Don't stack too many together at once (about 8 max). Less weight equals less pressure on the lower buckets.

2. Toss a stick in the bottom of each bucket before you stack them. This will be slightly less space efficient, but will keep them from locking together.

3. Wind a small piece of string or thread between each bucket to keep them slightly separated.

If they do get stuck, the first thing to try is to get a second person and pull them apart with an opposite twisting motion. Grip the top part of the bucket where it's easier to grip. If that fails, try to unstick them by prying them apart with a thin, flat object like a ruler. Another idea is to drill some holes with a power drill to release the pressure.

As you can tell, this has happened to me more than a few times!

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Shalynn
11/7/2016 01:31:18 pm

I've heard some teachers drill small holes into the bottom of the bucket to prevent the air seal and it works well!

Deanna
8/12/2018 11:45:04 am

I would love email updates

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David Birrow
8/14/2018 10:21:41 am

Awesome! Just enter your email address above where it says "subscribe" and you'll get email updates.

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Bob link
6/27/2019 03:25:47 pm

I love your drum tips. My son loves to beat on things. Maybe I should get him a teacher to turn it into music.

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David
6/30/2019 01:59:50 pm

Sounds like a great idea!

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Carolyn Murray
5/17/2020 11:37:48 am

Just got buckets before COVID-19. Do i use rhythm sticks or purchase drum sticks--or does it make any difference?

Reply
David Birrow
5/17/2020 01:26:01 pm

HI!

Rhythm sticks work, although I'd wrap them in duct tape as they tend to be made out of pretty soft wood. Drum sticks work too, but to be honest they are crazy loud and destroy the buckets quickly. I use wooden dowels cut into 12 inch lengths and wrapped in duct tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPD1kfAqNRY

Reply
Joyce Yang
9/17/2020 05:42:45 am

I just have a question about the dowels. What size in width are the dowels that you use?

Flying with Anne link
12/1/2020 10:14:51 pm

Thhanks for posting this

Reply



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    I'm David Birrow. I teach and play percussion. This blog is a companion to The Bucket Book. Contact me at : [email protected] or learn more about me at: www.DavidBirrow.com

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