1 plastic film container

1 broken balloon

1 7 cm (2 3/4") piece of 5 mm (3/8") vinyl hose

1 13 cm (5") piece of 5 mm (3/8") vinyl hose

A sharp knife (Be careful!)

An electric drill with a 3/8" bit

 

To make this instrument you will need an electric drill and a very sharp tool so be sure to get an adult to assist you.

Using a very sharp pointy knife or utility blade, cut a 2cm (3/4") diameter hole in the lid of a plastic film container. Now cut or drill a hole into the side and bottom of the container. The hole should be the same size as the outside diameter of your vinyl hose (3/8" O.D. works well) The hose should fit tightly into the hole so that air won't leak out around the outside edges of it. Please see the diagram.

Lay a piece of a broken balloon loosely over the top of the container and snap the lid into place. Stick a hose up through the bottom of the container until it touches the balloon and stretches it slightly. Stick the other piece of hose through the side of the container and blow through it.

The air should come out the side hose, into the container, under the balloon, and out the bottom hose. If the balloon is stretched properly it should buzz when the air passes under it. You can cut or drill holes into the bottom hose and play it like a saxophone. Try blowing harder and softer. Try pushing the bottom hose up so that the balloon is very tight. Now make it loose. There are lots of ways to vary the pitch.