Introducing the Drums for Schools Bambajam Pelangi kit The Bambajam Pelangi has been designed for Early Years and Primary settings to enable children to connect with one another and develop together through musical play. It is a multifunctional instrument that can be played as a solo Xylophone, as well as a duet instrument. Alternatively, the keys can be removed from the frame to be played as single toned percussion instruments. The keys on the Pelangi (white notes on the piano) are rainbow coloured and feature animal designs so that children can easily identify the different notes. Sharps and flats are all in a natural bamboo colour so that as more difficult notes are gradually introduced, the need to rely on colour can be removed. On the reverse of each key is the note name. The keys can be configured in any order on the frame, so that children have only the keys that are on their music score sheet to concern themselves with. This is also a great function for learning to improvise, understand scales, and explore different tones. A fun educational resource As well as graded pieces with lyrics and backing tracks there are numerous musical games included – for example musical dominos, the human piano, and storytelling with chords. The colours and animals coded on to the keys enable the children to invent their own games, as well as helping them identify with the different tones before they can name them. There is also an extensive Bambajam music library full of song packs, teaching resources, games, backing tracks and more. Each song pack is arranged for single player, duet and group using a specially developed notation system that combines colours, animals and traditional music notation. Also included are lyrics, chords and a play-along backing track. How to play To play a key as a single instrument, hold the bamboo at the lower part and strike with the mallet midway on the longest side holding it lightly enough so that the bamboo resonates. To play as a Xylophone place the keys on the frame and adjust the position so that when you play each key you get the clearest tone. Do not strike the keys too hard; instead use the weight of the mallets, which are ergonomically designed for children, to make use of the natural gravitational fall and bounce to generate a clear tone. What’s in the kit? Bambajam Pelangi kit Mallets Song cards, teaching resources, games, and backing tracks Bambajam bag
