Boom Boom : Do What You Want
Boom Boom Do What You Want: A Drumming Game for Growth
This exciting drumming game is a favorite in our music class, offering a fantastic blend of structure and creative freedom!
What it is:
In "Boom Boom Do What You Want," each child gets a special turn to be the rhythm leader.
- Students must begin their unique rhythm phrase with a strong, foundational "Boom Boom" (two bass drum sounds).
- After the "Boom Boom," they get to freely create the rest of their rhythm using any drum beats any rhythms, vocal sounds, or even body percussion!
- The entire group then plays the leader's rhythm together four times, ending in unison with "hands asleep" as a fun signal.
Why this Game is Important for Your Child's Development:
This seemingly simple game is packed with powerful learning opportunities:
- Nurturing Leadership & Self-Expression: Students gain valuable experience in self-presentation, confidence and leadership. It's a wonderful way for them to express their musical ideas and take center stage in a supportive environment.
- Understanding Structure & Freedom: The game beautifully illustrates a key life lesson: within a group or community, there are foundational rules ("Boom Boom") and also opportunities for personal creativity and choice ("Do What You Want"). This helps children understand the balance between individual expression and collective participation.
- Building Group Cohesion & Musicality: Through the joyful repetition of each leader's unique rhythm, the children actively participate in creating a shared group groove. This fosters a deep sense of connection, teamwork, and a collective musical experience.
- Learning Responsibility & Consequences: The game inherently teaches the importance of clear communication and responsibility. When a leader's rhythm is clear and repeatable, the group can easily follow, leading to a successful and harmonious outcome. This concept of shared responsibility is something we can also explore through our puppet shows, where puppets demonstrate what happens when someone doesn't fulfill their role and reinforcing the benefits of cooperation learned in "Boom Boom Do What You Want."
"Boom Boom Do What You Want" is more than just a game; it's a dynamic way for your child to develop confidence, creativity, social awareness, and a deeper understanding of rhythm and community.