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Indigenous instruments and noise pollution

Indigenous musical instruments, how they make sound, and how we limit noise pollution. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Indigenous instruments

InstrumentMade fromHow it is played
Uhadi (musical bow)Wood, string, calabashTap the string with a stick
DrumAnimal skin over woodHit the skin
Kudu hornA hornBlow into it
Mbira (thumb piano)Metal strips on woodPluck with the thumbs
Leg rattlesDried cocoons with small stonesThe dancer moves
MarimbaWooden barsHit the bars
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Changing the sound

Music with instruments from nature.
Music with instruments from nature.
  • Pull the drum skin tighter for a higher sound.
  • Press the musical bow’s string at different places for other notes.
  • A simple rattle: a bottle with dry beans in it.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Noise pollution

  • Keep the volume low in earphones, and turn the music down at night.
  • A grass cutter outside the classroom during a test makes it hard to concentrate.
  • Closed windows and soft wall boards keep traffic noise out.
  • Trees and shrubs along a highway soak up some of the sound.
Meerkat tip

Loud noise also frightens animals away from their homes.

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Protect your hearing

  • Sound that is too loud, or goes on for a long time, can damage your hearing permanently.
  • Sources of noise: traffic, loud music, machines, a busy school hall.
  • Protect yourself: turn the volume down, stand away from speakers, and wear ear protectors near loud machines.
  • A hearing aid helps people who are hard of hearing to hear better.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • An indigenous instrument is made by people of a region from local materials.
  • Instruments are hit (drum, marimba), blown (kudu horn, reed flute), plucked (mbira) or shaken (rattle).
  • The calabash on a musical bow (uhadi) makes the sound louder.
  • The longest marimba bar gives the lowest sound; a tighter drum skin gives a higher sound.
  • Noise pollution is loud sound that disturbs people and animals: headaches, stress and poor sleep.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Four ways to make music: Hit, Blow, Pluck, Shake.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

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