Boomwhackers

Boomwhackers, those colorful, lightweight plastic tubes that produce distinct musical pitches when struck, represent a unique and engaging approach to music-making. Their simplicity and accessibility have propelled them into classrooms, performance spaces, and community settings worldwide, fostering a sense of collaborative musical exploration. 

Description

Boomwhackers are essentially hollow, cylindrical tubes made of plastic, typically polyethylene. Each tube is cut to a specific length, which determines its pitch. The tubes are brightly colored, with each color corresponding to a different note in a diatonic scale. This visual coding system simplifies music learning, particularly for those with limited musical experience. The act of playing Boomwhackers involves striking them against a surface or against another Boomwhacker, generating a percussive sound with a defined pitch. The sound produced is resonant and clear, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles and applications. Boomwhackers fall under the category of pitched percussion instruments. They are specifically classified as idiophones, meaning the sound is produced by the vibration of the instrument itself, rather than by a vibrating string or membrane. While they share characteristics with other percussion instruments, such as drums and xylophones, Boomwhackers are unique in their simplicity and portability. They are not tuned in the traditional sense, but rather cut to specific lengths that correspond to musical pitches. This makes them a simplified and accessible form of pitched percussion, ideal for group music-making and educational settings.

History and Origin

The invention of Boomwhackers is attributed to Craig Ramsell, an American toy inventor, in the late 20th century, specifically the 1990s. The concept arose from Ramsell’s experimentation with plastic tubes and his desire to create a simple, accessible musical instrument. The initial idea was to create a toy that would allow children to explore music in a fun and engaging way. The company “Whacky Music” initially started producing them in 1995. The rapid adoption of Boomwhackers in educational settings and community music programs contributed to their widespread popularity throughout North America, and then globally. Their simplicity, portability, and ease of use allowed them to bridge musical gaps in groups of all ages and abilities. Because of this, it has become an international instrument. Today, the trademark is held by Rhythm Band Instruments.

Construction and Design

The construction of Boomwhackers is relatively straightforward. They are made from lightweight, non-toxic plastic, typically high-density polyethylene, which is chosen for its durability and acoustic properties. The tubes are extruded and then cut to specific lengths using precise measurements to achieve the desired pitches. The lengths are determined by the fundamental frequency of each note in a musical scale. The diameters of the tubes are generally consistent, contributing to the uniform tone quality across the set. The coloration of each tube is achieved through the use of pigments added to the plastic during the manufacturing process. This color-coding system is crucial for simplifying music learning and performance. The basic design of a Boomwhacker is cylindrical, with open ends that allow for the free vibration of air within the tube. The ends are typically smooth to prevent injury during play. 

Types

While the basic design of Boomwhackers remains consistent, various types and sets are available to cater to different musical needs. The most common type is the diatonic set, which includes eight tubes representing the notes of a major scale. Chromatic sets are also available, providing all twelve notes of the chromatic scale, including sharps and flats. Bass Boomwhackers, which are longer and produce lower pitches, expand the sonic range of the instrument. Octavator caps are also available, which are plastic caps that can be placed on the end of a Boomwhacker to lower its pitch by an octave. These caps greatly increase the total range of musical ability of the tubes. Other boomwhacker products include percussive tubes that produce other unique sounds. There are also boomwhacker sets that include multiple octaves of notes, for example, multiple C notes in a series of octaves, or multiple sets of the standard diatonic scale. This variety allows for more complex musical arrangements and performances. 

Characteristics

Boomwhackers possess several unique characteristics that contribute to their popularity. Their lightweight and portable design makes them easy to transport and store. The color-coded system simplifies music learning, allowing individuals with no prior musical experience to participate in ensemble playing. Their durability ensures they can withstand frequent use in educational settings and community programs. The sound produced by Boomwhackers is clear and resonant, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Their ability to foster collaboration and teamwork is a significant characteristic. The nature of boomwhacker playing encourages participation from everyone, promoting a sense of community. The fact that the pitch of the instrument is directly tied to it’s physical size, allows for a real, concrete learning experience in the science of music.

Playing Techniques and Sound Modifications

The most common playing technique for Boomwhackers involves striking them against a hard surface, such as a floor, table, or even the palm of the hand. This generates a percussive sound with a distinct pitch. Different playing techniques can be used to modify the sound produced. For instance, striking the Boomwhacker at different angles or with varying amounts of force can alter the volume and tone quality. Blocking the end of the tube with a hand or other object can also modify the pitch and resonance. Using mallets or other striking implements can create different timbres. The aforementioned octavator caps also are an extremely helpful tool to modify pitch. Because of the tubes simplicity, there are a surprisingly high level of modification a player can make, through varied playing styles. They are also incredibly easy to create new rythms, by altering playing speeds, and the patterns that each player strikes their tubes.

Applications in Music

Boomwhackers find applications in a wide range of musical settings, including educational programs, community music initiatives, and performance groups. In classrooms, they are used to teach basic music concepts such as pitch, rhythm, and harmony. They are also employed in music therapy to promote physical and emotional well-being. Community music programs utilize Boomwhackers to foster social interaction and teamwork among participants. Performance groups, ranging from amateur ensembles to professional orchestras, incorporate Boomwhackers into their repertoire to create unique and engaging musical experiences. Boomwhackers are now even being utilized in advertisement music, and various online media. Their accessibility and uniqueness lend itself to a wide range of music applications, from the most basic, to very complex arrangements. 

Most Influential Players

Given the collaborative and educational nature of Boomwhackers, there aren’t traditional “solo” influential players in the same way as with instruments like the guitar or piano. Instead, the most influential figures are often educators, conductors, and community music leaders who have championed the use of Boomwhackers in innovative and impactful ways. Individuals who have developed and shared creative Boomwhacker arrangements, pedagogical approaches, or performance techniques have significantly contributed to the instrument’s popularity. People creating large, online boomwhacker groups also play a huge roll in the spread and popularizing of these instruments. The sheer number of children, and adults, that have learnt core musical lessons through use of the instruments, is a testament to the influence these people hold. It is not always large well known names, but thousands of people who inspire others, in their own communities, that creates the core boomwhacker influence.

Maintenance and Care

Boomwhackers are relatively low-maintenance instruments. Their durable plastic construction allows them to withstand frequent use and handling. Cleaning is typically done with a damp cloth and mild soap. To prevent damage, they should be stored away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. While they are durable, severe bending or crushing can cause permanent deformation or cracking, which can affect their pitch and sound quality. When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the plastic surface. Proper storage in a suitable container or bag can prevent scratches and other forms of damage. Ensuring proper care and storage can prolong the lifespan of Boomwhackers and maintain their sound quality.

Cultural Significance

Boomwhackers have become a symbol of accessible and inclusive music-making. Their widespread use in educational settings and community programs has fostered a sense of musical participation and collaboration among individuals of all ages and abilities. They have helped to break down barriers to music education, making it possible for people with limited musical experience to engage in meaningful musical experiences. The vibrant colors and playful nature of Boomwhackers have contributed to their appeal, particularly among children and young learners. The instrument’s versatility has allowed it to be incorporated into diverse musical styles and cultural contexts, reflecting the rich tapestry of global music. The popularity of online Boomwhacker tutorials and performance videos has also contributed to the instrument’s cultural significance, creating a global community of Boomwhacker enthusiasts.

The cultural significance of these instruments also reaches through multiple generations. Adult, and child groups alike, have found a communal playing experience, and that experience continues to grow. These instruments can be used to teach music, but also to bring groups of people together for common recreational experiences. This ability, to bind people through common musical experiences is a powerful factor in the instruments cultural significance.