Boomwhackers & Andreas von Hoff

That's How the Story Begins:

October 2005 – me – professional drum set teacher – in search for ideas or concepts how to play music with entire groups e.g. grades/forms. Location: Kassel Germany. Occasion: a Drum Circle Facilitator Training lead by Arthur Hull. Attendants: mainly professional drummers. Day 2 of the training: Arthur comes in carrying a bag filled with colored plastic tubes, introducing them as Bumhackers, or so? He hands them out. Have a look at these German professional drummers faces – pure dismay at least! Then we start playing and – WOW! Am I allowed to use the word epiphany here? Or should I say sudden revelation? Anyway, the answer to my search I held it in my hands. But what was the question? Well, there are kids out there none of them will ever have a chance to learn or play a musical instrument. How to get them into touch with playing music – let them do it, let them enjoy playing together? Arthur's drum circle concept is the right step into the right direction. Utilizing drums and percussion in that context is an outstanding and powerful concept.

But I was worrying about the other two components of music: melody and harmony. How could these be presented to kids without basically musical knowledge? I held the answer in my hands – Boomwhackers! Regardless of gender, age, color, talent and origin – Boomwhackers would integrate any of a grades/form's group members without discriminating any of them even regardless of physical and psychical disposition.

To cut a long story short: Meanwhile I have published 17 books about Boomwhackers – How to use them for classroom activities. Last year I have worked with more than 7,000 students mainly at elementary schools und have held teachers training workshops with app. 1,000 participants throughout Germany and Austria.

What actually happens now is: I receive many inquiries about Boomwhackers literature in English from all over the world. My publisher is solely targeting the German market. So I will publish on this website continuously chapter by chapter of the book described underneath for later purchase and download including free preview samples.

And that's what I'm planning:

Best of Boomwhackers

2005-2010 by Andreas von Hoff

Boomwhackers – The Best Practice Booklet – distilled from five years of classroom workshop experience with thousands of teachers and students from 4 – 64

Table of Contents:

1. How To Start – tips and tricks
2. Gimme Ten Minutes – a successful starting routine from scratch
3. Hey – That's a Chord? – comping songs the easy way
4. What About a Band – Here come: the Drum set + the Guitar + the Keyboards + and the Bass!
5. Good, Good Morning – How to start your school day
6. A Bit of Math? – Up'n-Down Games for 5 and 6 years old kids
7. Boomerland – an excerpt of the successful Mini Musical – Introduction and Boomy Boogie
8. Sing-a-Song – Coordinating voices and Boomwhackers
9. Songs and Movements – games for Kids
10. Rules – take'em serious
11. Sounds of Silence – Relaxin' with Boomwhackers
12. Games – Chasing speedy triplets
13. Colors only – melodies for toddlers and elderly people
14. Kindergarten – pentatonic Songs
15. Christmas Time – Feliz Navidad and more
16. Boomwhackers (BIG) Band for classroom rock
17. Boomwhackers Rhythm Section – Rock, Latin and African stuff
18. Tiptoe through the Garden – Hide and Seek
19. Inside and Outside – Let's do the DrumCircle with Boomwhackers
20. Happy Birthday Parties – Best with Boomwhackers, what else!

Let me invite you to an experiment:

According to your feedback I will proceed with the chapters, you are indicating the foremost interest for by voting for them. I will also respond to your suggestions and ideas – there can't be too many and they are welcome!

So, just Click and !

How to vote: Click the Vote button. An e-mail form will open. Just insert the numbers of the chapters and, if you wish, add your proposal or comment. That's all, thanks a lot!

Happy boomwhacking

Andreas