End-Of-The-Year Play-Along: Best Day of My Life for Ukuleles, Boomwhackers, and Classroom Percussion Instruments
Here is the next play-along video in the End-Of-The-Year Series: American Authors’s Best Day of My Life play-along for ukuleles, boomwhackers, and classroom instruments. It is versatile enough so that you can use this with your younger students to play the rhythm patterns at the top of the screen with classroom instruments or play the steady beat pattern with boomwhackers with the moving color-coded rectangles. Finally, you can use this with your older students performing the ukulele C Major, F Major, and A minor chords for 8 beats in a row.
This exciting play-along features both ukuleles and boomwhackers, and it's designed to be accessible for all skill levels, making it ideal for elementary music classrooms. Whether your students are seasoned ukulele players or beginners just starting out with boomwhackers, this play-along has something for everyone! The manipulatives can be found for free at https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras
Why You Need This Play-Along Video
1. Multi-Instrumental Fun
This play-along brings together two of the most popular classroom instruments: ukuleles and boomwhackers. The color-coded ukulele chords are displayed on the screen, making it easy for students to follow along and play the correct chords. But here's where it gets even more fun: the chord rectangles are color-matched to the corresponding boomwhacker notes, so your students can easily play the root of the chord while the ukuleles strum along. It’s a perfect way to get your students collaborating musically and understanding how different instruments work together.
2. Adaptable for All Skill Levels
Whether you're teaching first graders or fifth graders, this play-along works for all ages. Younger students, or if there are not enough ukuleles to go around, can focus on simple rhythm patterns displayed at the top of the screen, while boomwhacker players can engage by playing the C Major, F Major, and A Minor chords. The basic chords keep things simple and easy to follow, but also offer enough variety to make it fun and engaging for older or more advanced students. It’s a win-win for everyone in your class!
3. Perfect for End-of-Year Performances
As you start thinking about your end-of-year performances, this play-along video is the ideal addition to your classroom playlist. It’s an upbeat, engaging song that brings your students together, encourages teamwork, and highlights everything they’ve learned throughout the year. Plus, it’s an excellent way to celebrate your students' musical growth as they finish the year strong.
4. Visual and Interactive Learning
One of the best parts of this play-along video is the visual display of the chords and rhythm patterns. The clear on-screen graphics make it easy for students to follow along, whether they’re playing the ukulele, boomwhackers, or simply clapping along. For students who struggle with reading music or following along with traditional sheet music, this visual approach is a game-changer.
How to Use This Play-Along in Your Classroom
Boomwhacker Players: Assign each student or group a boomwhacker color that corresponds to the ukulele chord colors. They’ll follow the visual cues to play the root of the chord, adding harmony to the performance.
Ukulele Players: The chord squares make it easy to follow along, and even beginners can pick up the basic C Major, F Major, and A Minor chords and strum along to the rhythm.
Rhythm Section: For students who are still getting the hang of the ukulele, the rhythm patterns at the top of the screen can be a helpful guide. You can encourage students to practice basic strumming patterns while others play the boomwhackers.
Why It Works for Your Classroom
This play-along is the ultimate inclusive tool for the classroom. It allows students of varying skill levels to participate and shine in the same musical experience. The use of color-coded visuals helps students of all ages and abilities stay on track, while the clear, easy-to-follow structure makes it a great tool for reinforcing rhythm, pitch, and teamwork.
As an elementary music educator, you know how important it is to keep your students engaged, especially as the year comes to a close. This play-along video is the perfect way to do just that, all while giving your students an opportunity to showcase their skills and have fun!
Ready to Try It?
Don’t miss out on this exciting new play-along video! Its manipulatives are free to access, and your students will love the chance to play along with their classmates in this fun, interactive way. Whether you're gearing up for an end-of-year performance or just want to have some fun in the classroom, this play-along video will make the final days of the school year memorable.
Click the link to get started and bring some end-of-year magic into your music classroom today! 🎶✨
Enjoy!