Musical Straw

Let's Try It

1. 

   Flatten the top inch or so (25 mm) of the straw with your teeth. Avoid curling the end of the straw up or down. Flatter is better, so bite down hard. You can also lay the straw on the table and press it down firmly with a spoon or knife along the two edges you created.

2. 

   Cut off both corners of the flattened portion so that it’s narrower in the middle than the sides. These two flaps are where the vibrations will come from that you hear as “music.”

3. 

   Now you’re ready to make noise – and really annoy everyone. Place the cut end of the straw into your mouth, seal your lips around it, and blow until a “sound” is produced. It’s tough to do so don’t rush or blow too hard and long. The sound will be more of a squawk than music. You’ll feel the entire straw vibrate as a sound is made, too. Don’t give up if you don’t make a sound right away; you just need to reposition the straw and try again. There’s a “sweet spot” where the sound occurs. You’ve made a “double reed” mouthpiece similar to (but not as good as) an oboe, an English horn, and a bassoon.

4. 

   When you get the hang of making noise – uh, that is, music – use scissors to cut short sections off the bottom of the straw while you’re making the sound. Listen for rising changes in the pitch as you cut the straw shorter and shorter.  Watch out for your lips!