Tiffany Haney
A straw pan flute is a simple musical instrument that can be easily made at home, providing a fun activity for kids to learn about sound and music. To make a straw pan flute, you'll need a few drinking straws and tape. Each straw will produce a different pitch based on its length, with the shortest straw making the highest sound and the longest straw producing the lowest sound. By blowing into each straw, kids can experiment with the different pitches and even try to play simple melodies. This hands-on project allows children to create their own musical instrument and explore the fascinating world of sound through play and discovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of straws | 8 |
| Straw length | 19.5 cm, 17.0 cm, 15.5 cm, 14.5 cm, 13.0 cm, 11.5 cm, 10.0 cm, 9.5 cm |
| Pitch | Based on straw length; shorter straws produce higher pitch, longer straws produce lower pitch |
| Activity | Fun for kids to blow into each straw and identify the pitch produced |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing straws: Use big, old-fashioned milkshake straws or regular-sized ones
- Pitch and length: Longer straws produce lower sounds, shorter straws produce higher sounds
- Cutting the straws: Measure and cut straws to the desired lengths for different pitches
- Marking the straws: Use markers to mark the length of each straw before cutting
- Playing a melody: Challenge yourself to play simple songs like Mary Had a Little Lamb
Choosing straws: Use big, old-fashioned milkshake straws or regular-sized ones
When making a straw pan flute, you can use any type of drinking straw, including big, old-fashioned milkshake straws or regular-sized ones. The type of straw you use will depend on your personal preference and the desired sound. Each straw will produce a different pitch based on its length, so you can experiment with different types of straws to create a range of sounds.
Drinking straws come in a variety of sizes, diameters, and materials. The standard drinking straw diameter is 0.25 inches, but straws can range in size from small school milk straws to colossal straws, which are extra-large and perfect for thicker drinks like milkshakes. Milkshake straws are typically larger in diameter and longer in length than regular straws, which can affect the sound produced when used in a pan flute.
If you want to create a pan flute with a wider range of pitches, consider using a variety of straw sizes, including big, old-fashioned milkshake straws and regular-sized straws. This will allow you to experiment with different sounds and create a more dynamic musical instrument. You can also cut the straws to different lengths to achieve the desired pitches, with longer straws producing lower pitches and shorter straws producing higher pitches.
When choosing straws for your pan flute, consider the flexibility and durability of the material. Straws that are too thin or flimsy may not produce a clear pitch, while straws that are too thick or rigid may be difficult to blow air through. Look for straws that are made of a flexible yet sturdy material, such as plastic or paper, to ensure optimal sound quality and ease of playability.
Overall, the type and size of straw you choose for your straw pan flute will depend on your personal preferences, the desired sound, and the range of pitches you want to achieve. Experiment with different types of straws, including big, old-fashioned milkshake straws and regular-sized ones, to find the perfect combination that produces the best sound for your musical creation.
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Pitch and length: Longer straws produce lower sounds, shorter straws produce higher sounds
The pitch of a straw in a pan flute depends on its length. Longer straws produce lower-pitched sounds, while shorter straws produce higher-pitched sounds. This relationship between pitch and length is due to the creation of standing waves in the straws. When you blow air into a straw, a wave is created, and the length of the straw determines the size of this wave. Longer straws create larger waves, resulting in lower-frequency sounds, while shorter straws create smaller waves with higher frequencies.
To create a pan flute with a range of pitches, you can cut the straws to different lengths. Each straw will produce a different pitch based on its length. You can calculate the length of each straw to correspond to the desired pitch. For example, you can divide the wavelength of the note by 4 to find the theoretical correct length for each straw. However, it's important to note that rounding the lengths can affect the pitch, and even a couple of millimetres can make a difference.
If you want to be precise, it's recommended to cut the straws a bit longer than needed and then listen to the pitch. You can gradually cut a little more off the straw until it sounds right. This method ensures that you achieve the desired pitch for each straw. Additionally, you can measure and mark the straws before cutting to ensure accuracy.
The length of the straws will also determine the key in which your pan flute plays. The quoted lengths for straws often produce a good sound in one key. However, if you want to play in different keys and incorporate flat and sharp notes, you will need to adjust the lengths accordingly. You can refer to wavelength or frequency ratios of the desired temperament to determine the necessary lengths for each straw.
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Cutting the straws: Measure and cut straws to the desired lengths for different pitches
The pitch of a straw pan flute depends on the length of the straw. The shorter the straw, the higher the pitch. Therefore, to play different pitches, you will need to cut the straws to different lengths.
You can cut the straws to any length you want if you don't intend to play a specific tune. However, if you want to play a standard scale and recognisable melodies, you will need to cut the straws to specific lengths. To play a full octave, the shortest straw must be exactly half the length of the longest straw. For the "Do-Re-Mi" or "Diatonic" scale, you will need six straws in the middle with the following proportions:
- Do = 17.5 cm
- Re = 15.5 cm
- Mi = 13.5 cm
- Fa = 12.5 cm
- So = 11 cm
- La = 10 cm
- Ti = 9 cm
- Do = 8.5 cm
You can also cut the straws to the following lengths, as suggested by another source:
- 19.5 cm
- 17.0 cm
- 15.5 cm
- 14.5 cm
- 13.0 cm
- 11.5 cm
- 10.0 cm
- 9.5 cm
Before cutting the straws, it is recommended to measure and mark the desired lengths with a marker. This will help ensure that you cut the straws to the correct length.
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Marking the straws: Use markers to mark the length of each straw before cutting
Marking the straws is an important step in creating a straw pan flute that can play a standard scale and recognisable melodies. The pitch of each straw in the pan flute depends on its length, with shorter straws producing higher notes.
To begin marking the straws, gather the necessary materials: a ruler or measuring tape, and a marker. It is important to ensure that the marker you are using is suitable for writing on the surface of the straws.
Next, decide on the desired lengths of the straws. If you want to create a pan flute capable of playing a full octave, the shortest straw should be exactly half the length of the longest straw. For the "Do-Re-Mi" scale, also known as the "Diatonic Scale", you will need six additional straws of varying lengths. The exact measurements can be determined by dividing the wavelength of each note by four. Alternatively, each note is longer than its higher neighbour by a factor of the twelfth root of two, or approximately 1.0595.
Once you have determined the desired lengths, use the ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark each straw with the marker. Don't worry if your measurements are not perfectly accurate; small variations are unlikely to make a noticeable difference in the notes produced, especially for children.
After marking all the straws, proceed to the next step of cutting the straws to the desired lengths. Remember to cut the straws slightly longer than needed and test the pitch before cutting them further, as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
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Playing a melody: Challenge yourself to play simple songs like Mary Had a Little Lamb
Playing a melody on a straw pan flute can be a fun and challenging experience. Here are some detailed instructions to help you play simple songs like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on your straw pan flute:
Prepare Your Straws
To play a melody, you will need to have straws of different lengths, as the length of the straw determines the pitch produced. The shortest straw will produce the highest pitch, while the longest straw will result in the lowest pitch. You can cut the straws to different sizes, ensuring that the shortest straw is exactly half the length of the longest one to create a full octave. If you want to play the "Do-Re-Mi" scale, you will need six straws of varying lengths in the middle.
Assemble Your Flute
Once you have your straws cut to the desired lengths, it's time to assemble your pan flute. Lay a piece of tape with the sticky side facing up and begin placing the straws along it, starting with the shortest straw. Line up the rest of the straws in order of length, keeping the top edge as straight as possible. Once all the straws are in place, wrap the tape around the bundle of straws, securing it tightly. For added reinforcement, repeat the taping process in the opposite direction.
Playing the Melody
Now that your straw pan flute is ready, it's time to start playing! Rest the tops of the straws on your lower lip and blow across them gently. You can also blow directly into the straws, which is easier for beginners. To play "Mary Had a Little Lamb," start with the straw that produces the lowest pitch and work your way up to the highest pitch, following the rhythm and melody of the song.
Practice and Experiment
Playing a melody on a straw pan flute takes practice and experimentation. You can create your own simple songs or try playing other familiar tunes. Remember that the length of the straw directly affects the pitch, so you can adjust the length of each straw slightly to fine-tune the pitch produced. Enjoy exploring the musical possibilities of your straw pan flute!
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Frequently asked questions
You need a few drinking straws and some tape.
Cut the straws to the following lengths: 19.5 cm, 17.0 cm, 15.5 cm, 14.5 cm, 13.0 cm, 11.5 cm, 10.0 cm, and 9.5 cm. Then, use tape to join the straws together.
Blow into each straw and listen to the pitch that is produced. The shortest straw will make the highest sound, while the longest straw will produce the lowest sound. Try to play a simple melody like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".
