Invented Instruments

I had an epiphany this year with our Invented Instruments project. Each year, the 6th graders invent their own instruments and compose a sound piece to be played on their instrument. Normally, I have them perform their sound piece in class and then I display their instruments in the hallway for a few weeks. This year, there was so much interest in the project from other classes and teachers, that I decided we needed to show them off a bit more! We took one class period and moved down to the lunchroom where each student set up with their instrument and sound piece and then we invited the entire school to come listen. Teachers were able to bring their classes to the lunchroom if they had time and students walked around listening to each of the instruments perform. This was a great way for them to get to hear what they sounded like and also gave the 6th graders a chance to explain what their instrument was made of and how it worked. Each student got to perform roughly 10-20 times!