This is How the Big Drum Sounds

USA

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

This is How the Big Drum Sounds is an American folksong.

This song works well an interactive group instrument playing song, with the children contributing their ideas throughout. We suggest that you stop at the end of each verse, and give the children opportunities to suggest different ways that they can play their drum: loudly, softly, fast, slow, with one hand, scratching, etc. This is an opportunity to encourage the children to be creative, to be able to explore the properties of their instruments, and to experience a variety of tempi and dynamics. This song is also in the minor mode.

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

You may notice that on the recording below we use the song to highlight the various parts of the drum kit; each piece of the kit gets their own verse and solo. You can try doing this a version of this using a variety of instruments around your classroom!

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT:

DOWNLOADS:

PDF of Score: This is How the Big Drum Sounds

mp3 of piano accompaniment: This is How the Big Drum Sounds