How to Make Drums for Kids
- 1). Choose a cylindrical oatmeal container, large juice or coffee can, or other container that is drum-shaped. Juice containers and coffee cans should be open on one side, and sharp edges should be covered with masking tape or filed down. Take the lid off the oatmeal container and discard it. This container will form the base for the drums.
- 2). Cut a circle of waxed paper that is 2 inches larger in diameter than the open end of the container or can. This material will form the surface of the drum that is beaten with the sticks. Waxed paper is both strong and produces a nice sound when hit. You may also use lightweight vinyl fabric, or even brown paper bag material. Make drums with different materials for different sounds.
- 3). Stretch the waxed paper or other material over the open end of the drum cylinder, and hold it down tightly with the large rubber band. Make sure the top is tight across the opening without any wrinkles or creases. The rubber band should be large enough to hold the paper on tightly. You can also use masking tape or other type of strong tape.
- 4). Cut out a piece of construction paper in a size needed to cover the entire outside of the cylinder drum shape. You can measure this out easily by rolling the cylinder on the piece of paper and marking the edges with a pencil. Have your kid cut this out neatly with scissors. You may also use brown paper bagging, sticky contact paper, or even material to cover the drum for kids.
- 5). Decorate one side of the construction paper drum covering with more colored paper, sequins, trims, narrow cords, yarn, glitter, or any other attractive embellishment your kids prefer. Make a classic drum pattern by gluing on diagonal lines of cord, yarn, or a contrasting color of paper all around the drum covering.
- 6). Glue the completed paper drum covering to the outside of the drum. Be sure to glue securely over the rubber band and edge of the waxed paper drumming surface. Allow the drum to dry completely before playing. Two unsharpened pencils make excellent drum sticks, although your kid can also use chopsticks or other small sticks.