Learning Outcomes
By the end of this sub-strand, you should be able to:
- Identify indigenous wind musical instruments from Kenyan communities.
- Explain the role of the parts of a wind instrument in sound production.
- Make a wind instrument using locally available materials.
- Care for an indigenous Kenyan musical wind instrument.
- Draw a wind instrument using crayon etching technique.
- Value indigenous wind musical instruments from Kenyan communities.
Key Notes on Wind Musical Instruments
Understanding Indigenous Wind Musical Instruments
What are Indigenous Wind Musical Instruments?
Indigenous wind musical instruments are traditional instruments from Kenyan communities, played by blowing air to produce sound. Examples include the Chivoti (Coastal), Abu (Luo), and Mulele (Kamba), used in cultural ceremonies, festivals, and school performances.
Key Features:
- Name and Community: E.g., Chivoti (Coastal), Abu (Luo).
- Method of Playing: Blowing air through a mouthpiece or opening.
- Role of Parts: Parts like the body or mouthpiece produce sound.
- Care: Proper handling, hygiene, and storage.
Examples of Wind Instruments
Chivoti
Coastal flute, blown through a mouthpiece.
Abu
Luo horn, blown to produce sound.
Mulele
Kamba flute, played by blowing air.
Key Concepts and Techniques
Identifying Wind Instruments
Steps:
- View real, pictures, or videos of instruments like Chivoti or Abu.
- Identify the instrument’s name, community (e.g., Coastal for Chivoti), and method of playing (e.g., blowing).
Example: Recognizing a Mulele flute in a Kamba cultural festival video.
Role of Parts in Sound Production
Key Parts and Roles:
- Mouthpiece: Where air is blown to start vibration (e.g., Chivoti mouthpiece).
- Body/Tube: Resonates air to create sound pitch.
- Holes: Adjust pitch when covered or uncovered.
Example: Explaining how covering holes on a Mulele changes the pitch in a school music class.
Making a Wind Instrument
Steps:
- Source materials sustainably (e.g., bamboo, reeds, or plastic bottles from the environment).
- Cut and shape materials (e.g., hollow bamboo for a flute).
- Create a mouthpiece and holes for pitch variation.
- Tune the instrument by testing and adjusting holes.
- Clean the work area after making the instrument.
Safety Tips: Use safe tools, avoid sharp edges, work under supervision.
Example: Making a simple bamboo flute for a school project.
Caring for Wind Instruments
Steps:
- Handling: Hold gently to avoid damage.
- Hygiene: Clean mouthpiece after use to remove saliva.
- Storage: Store in a dry, safe place to prevent cracks or damage.
Example: Cleaning a Chivoti flute after a school performance.
Drawing a Wind Instrument (Crayon Etching)
Steps:
- Explore real or virtual drawings to understand cross-hatching texture.
- Draw two wind instruments (e.g., Chivoti and Abu) on paper.
- Apply crayon layers, then cover with black paint.
- Etch designs with a sharp tool to reveal colors, emphasizing cross-hatching texture.
- Display and discuss drawings with peers.
Example: Creating a crayon-etched drawing of a Mulele flute for a school art exhibition.
Suggested Learning Experiences
- View real/pictures/videos of indigenous wind instruments and identify them.
- Name parts of a wind instrument and discuss their role in sound production.
- Source locally available materials and make a wind instrument while observing safety.
- Tune the wind instrument for functionality.
- Brainstorm on caring for a wind instrument and its importance.
- Practice care and maintenance of a wind instrument.
- Explore real/virtual drawings to discuss cross-hatching texture.
- Draw a composition of two wind instruments using crayon etching with cross-hatching.
- Display and talk about own and others’ created work using appropriate language.
Interactive Activities
Instrument Identification Matching
Match the wind instrument to its community:
Activity Identification
Identify whether the following relates to identifying, making, caring, or drawing a wind instrument:
- Viewing a video of a Chivoti flute: _______
- Cleaning a Mulele after use: _______
- Using bamboo to create a flute: _______
- Etching a drawing of an Abu horn: _______
(Correct answers: 1. Identifying, 2. Caring, 3. Making, 4. Drawing)
Key Inquiry Questions
1. What is the importance of indigenous wind instruments in Kenyan communities?
Answer: Indigenous wind instruments are important because:
- Cultural Expression: Used in ceremonies and festivals (e.g., Chivoti in Coastal weddings).
- Community Identity: Reflect traditions of communities like Luo (Abu) or Kamba (Mulele).
- Social Bonding: Played in groups during school or village events.
- Entertainment: Add joy to cultural performances.
- Education: Teach music and heritage in Kenyan schools.
2. Why is it necessary to care for and maintain a wind instrument?
Answer: Caring for and maintaining a wind instrument is necessary to:
- Ensure Functionality: Proper care keeps the instrument playable (e.g., cleaning a Chivoti mouthpiece).
- Prevent Damage: Safe storage avoids cracks or breakage.
- Maintain Hygiene: Cleaning prevents germs, especially for shared instruments.
- Extend Lifespan: Regular maintenance preserves instruments for school or cultural use.
- Respect Heritage: Caring shows value for Kenyan musical traditions.
Quick Quiz
Earn Badges!
Complete activities and quizzes to earn badges:
Core Competencies Developed
- Creativity and Imagination: Searching for materials and ways to make a wind instrument.
- Communication and Collaboration: Discussing care of wind instruments with peers.
Values
- Respect: Talking about peers’ work using appropriate words.
- Responsibility: Using locally available materials sustainably to make a wind instrument.
Pertinent and Contemporary Issues
Environmental Conservation
Sustainably using environmental resources to make a wind instrument.
Social Cohesion
Working with peers to make wind instruments.