Homemade Instruments: Straw Panpipes

Pull out the scissors, drinking straws, and some tape to make this entertaining instrument.

Materials:
4-8 beverage or milkshake straws
scissors
tape
cardboard (optional)

Cut the straws at different lengths, each one a half-inch shorter than the next one. If you can, cut at an angle. Line the straws in order from longest to shortest, and tape them together. Or you can tape them to the cardboard.

You'll play your new instrument by blowing across the top of the flat side of the straw. What do you hear? Since these straws are plastic, you won't actually hear a sound, but you will hear a different pitches as you listen to the air move over the pipe.

What songs can you play with your new instrument?

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