Making Gourd Musical Instruments

Pluck them, bang them, shake them, and blow into them! These instrumentsfrom wood temple gongs to water drums and stamping tubesproduce every type of joyful noise. Make a fun gourd orchestra of rattles, like a Mesoamerican Indian rain stick and African" shekere"; a Caribbean "guiro"; a gorgeous "mbira "or thumb piano; and friction drums that wail or roar. There are instruments from near and far, from the unusual to the familiar banjo and guitar. Tips on choosing, cleaning, and sealing a gourd, and decorating and playing the finished instrument, help to create beautiful music."