Have you ever wondered what makes the sound in a jingle bell, or that it even had a name? Well it does, and it’s called a ‘clapper’. It’s a little metal ball inside the bell, that hit’s the sides, and reminds everyone of Christmas because of it‘s very distinctive sound. Especially when there is a whole bunch of them put together. Dancers have been known to use these types of bells by shaking them in their hands while they dance or they have worn them on their wrists, ankles, waist or even their costumes. They have also been seen used in religious ceremonies and rituals to express feeling without words. If you were interested in having your own set of bells, it is very cost efficient if you make your own string versus buying them. Craft stores sell jingle bells in bags that can be strung easily with string, wire, or pipe cleaners. The technical term for this type of bell, (the jingle bell), is known as a metal idiophone.

Another type of metal idiophone is the tambourine, which first came about in the Middle East. The tambourine has a similar sound to the jingle bell, but is still unique in it’s own way. The tambourine can’t be worn on the wrist, ankle or waist like jingle bells, but it is used by shaking it in one’s hand. Drummers have been known to affix a tambourine on a stand and hit it with their drumsticks. The tambourine can be very helpful in certain ways too. In schools across the country, children are given the tambourine to play in music class, it helps with their rhythm and makes the child feel included.

The tambourine can even make a person feel more comfortable on stage if they don’t know how to play an instrument, they know they can play, (or shake) the tambourine.

Shirlan

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