How to Make a Sistrum

My kids are total music lovers. They must get it from their daddy, who played trumpet from 5th grade all the way through Marching Mizzou in college. I only made it through 8th grade with the clarinet – and I was next to last seat at KU band camp in junior high – so I am thinking I am not the one carrying the music gene. And, I am not one of those super talented moms who plays piano, sings (except in the shower or car, of course!) and I am always afraid I am not fostering my girls music appreciation. (Though I am always up for a good dance party!)

But, when Natalie came home from camp this week with her musical instrument craft, I knew I could get on board. It is so cute! (I know, an instrument is more than just looking good, but could this be anymore upcycle-vintage-treasure darling?) And after asking her camp director (and my best friend, Dayna – hi Day!), I found out why! The guest music teacher camp, Beth Hamon, is here from Portland, Oregon. According to Natalie, “she rides a bike and doesn’t have a car because she’s from Portland.” (Apparently, according to the world of a 7 year old, there are no cars in Portland.) But, Beth the music teacher also makes art from recycled bicycle parts, which is how she came up with the idea to create this sistrum from a wire coat hanger and used bottle caps.

I don’t have any specific instructions on making one of your own, but here is the basic idea:

• Use a wire hanger to create the outside shape of a sistrum, finishing at the bottom with a handle.
• Duct tape the handle if necessary and to cover any pointed edges of wire.
• Collect bottle caps and pound them flat with a hammer. Add holes by hammering a screwdriver through the middle.
• Add the bottle caps across the horizontal wires in the body of the instrument.
• Shake and sing and if you’re inspired, get up a dance!

And if you’ve got a chance to recruit some neighborhood kids and make extra sistrums you can have a jam band in no time!