NORTHAMPTON – About a dozen kids and adults converged on the Forbes Library Community Room on Saturday to learn how to make their own percussive instruments out of ordinary household objects. Musician and author Norma Jean Haynes of Florence began by showing them how to make shakers and drums from empty soda cans and lentils – and decorate them – then she lead the group in a percussive jam session with their creations. Haynes also brought with her examples of many other musical instruments that can be made at home.
Kevin Gutting can be reached at kgutting@gazettenet.com.