Music Making Lessons

Hambone

Hambone, as an art form, is primarily comprised of three different motions that are repeated and varied. The best part about hambone is that there are so many different ways to scale lessons and activities up and down based on student needs and familiarity. Hambone, like any musical activity, takes practice, so if you and/or your students do not feel like masters after the first time, that is completely normal. Just remember to practice and have fun.

Hambone has a rich history originating from Congo, the Carribean, and Dutch Guiana and being transplanted in the American South with the bringing over of Africans. It is more traditionally known as Juba, a type of dance, has encoded meaning in the different rhythms and dance moves that were performed as a means of communication between slaves. Juba was probably so prominent because it did not require any musical instruments, but rather mimicked Yoruba and Haitian talking drums using body percussion. Eventually, Juba traveled north inspiring different dances, took on lyrics to be made into popular songs, and in minstrel shows.

“Hambone” is a great activity to help students with developing patterns, following directions, singing a song, and taking turns with others. Depending on how long your students can maintain focus, this could take anywhere from 20 minutes for one lesson or smaller durations over multiple lessons.