A year in the making, a new collection of percussion play instruments was recently installed at the Benjamin Logan Elementary playground, creating a vibrant and interactive atmosphere in the outdoor recess space.
Cole Carpenter, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center heavy equipment operations instructor along with several Career Technical students, completed the installation, with support from the Benjamin Logan buildings and grounds team.
“The students really enjoyed this out-of-the-ordinary project,” Carpenter said.
The district’s fiscal year 2022 Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment funds were allocated for activities that support well-rounded education opportunities, such as improving access to arts and music education.
Tyler Young, general music teacher, and Amy McCormick, gifted intervention specialist, collaborated with Director of Administrative Services,Sally Stolly on the grant to support student success through the promotion of constructive student engagement in relation to music and the arts.
“The percussion play set encourages community engagement and fosters imaginative and inventive play,” said Stolly. “We hope our parents and community will stop by the playground to check it out.”
The installation includes a set of five differently-pitched, brightly colored drums designed for all ages and ability levels.
The Rainbow Sambas enable kids and adults to create unique songs and rhythms, with drums suitable for music lessons, recess and outdoor school performances.
Other uses of the drums can include music therapy and group play.
A long strings of bells channel the cheerful energy of this instrument’s namesake — the butterfly — with the bright, ethereal tones of the Papilio.
Shaped to resemble a fluttering monarch, this set of tubular bells allows two to four players to strike the chimes at once, creating a glorious harmony of bells that carries on the wind. Tuned in the key of C-Major, the pentatonic nature-tones are optimistic, calming and therapeutic for both listeners and players.
The Papilio spans an impressive three octaves and youths and adults will love the Papilio’s inclusivity; there are no wrong notes, meaning even toddlers can play with confidence and the design is ADA-accessible.
The Small Percussion Play Conga Pair is also ADA-accessible and produces deep, soft sounds that are both relaxing and invigorating. This set of Congas provides a unique and engaging musical experience.
The Conga Trio of jubilant drums completes the installation. The Conga drum is a tall, narrow, single-headed African drum that delivers soothing, deep sounds that will stimulate the senses, encourage people to dance and elevate the playground area.