Grade 2 Music Musical Instruments – Wind Instruments Notes

Specific Learning Outcomes

• Recognise and name common wind instruments (e.g., flute/filimbi, recorder/rekoda, whistle/filimbi ndogo, trumpet/tarumbeta, harmonica/harmonika).
• Explain in simple words how wind instruments make sound: air is blown in or across a hole so the instrument vibrates.
• Show good posture and a steady breath when blowing to make a clear sound.
• Play a very simple tune or rhythm on a recorder or whistle (one short song).
• Care for the instrument: keep it clean and store it safely.

What is a wind instrument?

Wind instruments are musical instruments you make sound from by blowing air. When you blow, the air inside the instrument moves and makes a sound. Teachers in Kenya often use the recorder (rekoda) or small whistles (filimbi) in class.

Types (simple)

• Recorders / Rekoda — common in school music. Easy for beginners.
• Flute / Filimbi — held sideways or blown into from one end.
• Whistle / Filimbi ndogo — small and loud, good for games.
• Trumpet / Tarumbeta — brass instrument, used in school bands.
• Harmonica / Harmonika — mouth organ, played by blowing and drawing air.
• Animal horn — used sometimes in traditional celebrations (blow gently).

How wind instruments make sound

1. Blow air into or across the instrument.
2. The air vibrates inside and makes sound.
3. Covering holes (like on a recorder) changes the length of air column and makes different notes.

Simple playing tips for 7-year-olds

• Sit or stand straight. Good posture helps air flow.
• Take a small breath, then blow slowly and evenly.
• Don’t blow too hard — gentle steady breath makes a nicer sound.
• Keep the mouthpiece clean. If sharing, use separate mouthpieces or clean them first.
• When using school rekoda, hold it with both hands and cover holes with fingertips.

Suggested Learning Experiences (Activities)

1. Listening Game (10 minutes): Teacher plays short sounds from different wind instruments. Children raise their hand when they hear a wind instrument. Discuss how it sounds (loud/soft, high/low).
2. Breathing Practice (5 minutes): Practice breathing in for 3 counts and blowing out for 4 counts using a finger to see steady breath. Do this seated with good posture.
3. Play a Simple Song (15 minutes): Use a recorder or whistle to play one easy song (e.g., "Twinkle Twinkle" first two notes repeated). Teacher demonstrates, children copy in small groups.
4. Make a Straw Panpipe (20–30 minutes):
   • Materials: 6 drinking straws, scissors, tape, cardboard to hold them.
   • Cut straws to different lengths (long to short). Tape them side by side. Blow across the tops to hear different notes.
   • Talk about how length changes the pitch (long = low, short = high).
5. Drawing and Match Game (10 minutes): Give pictures of instruments and names (English + Swahili: filimbi, rekoda, tarumbeta). Children match the name to the picture and colour them.
6. Small Concert (15 minutes): In groups of 4–5, children play short rhythms or the simple song together. Use clapping to keep time first, then add the instruments.

Safety and Care

• Always clean mouthpieces before and after use.
• Do not point instruments at others when blowing.
• Store instruments in a safe place where they won’t fall or break.
• Handle school instruments gently — they are shared and must last.

Assessment (simple checklist)

Teacher can check if the child can:

• Point to and name at least 3 wind instruments.
• Blow a steady sound on a recorder/whistle for 3 seconds.
• Play or sing one simple tune with the class.
• Tell one way to care for an instrument (e.g., clean or store it).

Resources (Kenyan context)

• School recorders (rekoda) or small whistles (filimbi ndogo).
• Simple brass instruments from school band (tarumbeta) for demonstration.
• Straws, tape, scissors for craft panpipes.
• Pictures of instruments and Swahili names for classroom posters.

Fun Rhyme

Blow softly, blow so clear — filimbi music we all hear.
Sit up straight and breathe in deep — play a note to sing and keep!