On the 18th March, it was Global Recycling Day and to celebrate we’re sharing lots of quick and easy ideas for how you can make instruments from household items! From bucket drums to bottle flutes, everyday objects can become part of your very own band.

Bucket Drums – Grab a plastic bucket and some wooden spoons. Turn the bucket over and simply hit the top – you can also tap the sides and edges for different tones.

Bottle Flutes – Collect different size bottles and arrange them small to large. Blow across the top of each bottle to make a note, and if you play from small to large the pitch will go from high to low.

Tissue Box Guitar – Stretch rubber bands over a tissue box and pluck – if you’re feeling adventurous, use an old kitchen role tube to make a guitar neck.

Bottle Xylophone – Fill glass bottles with different amounts of water and tap them with a spoon – the more water in the bottle, the higher the note

Tin Can Güiro – Remove the paper from your latest tin of beans (other canned good allowed!) and use a metal spoon to scrape along the notches. For a traditional “güiro rhythm”, try the pattern long (down) – short (up), short (up) 

Challenge: Try making your own upcycled instrument this week and share your creations with us! Tag us on @playtherig to showcase your “brand new” instrument.

Get more inspiration from our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1b4zJE81iE&list=PLv02JSMFjC1oUAamy8CyRTkqFAmia4IPH