Transcript: Pitch: Straw Kazoo

(bubbling)

RAY: Sarah and Jonathan S. of Jackson, Michigan, sent us the instructions to make a musical instrument using a drinking straw. All you do is flatten one end of the straw.

CAROLINE: Like that?

RAY: Yep, that's pretty good. Then with a pair of scissors cut out a V shape in the straw. Cool. Just like that.

CAROLINE: Okay.

RAY: This will act as a reed, just like in a clarinet.

CAROLINE: Place the V end of the straw in your mouth so that the V is just past the inside of your mouth. Then press on the V with your lips while blowing, like this— this might take some practice. Maybe we have to kind of open it up a little. Oh, here we go— I think this'll work. (squeaking) (blowing note)

RAY: Brilliantly done. (blowing note)

BOTH: That's awesome.

CAROLINE: (blowing note)

RAY: Here's another cool thing you can do. Cut the straw and then blow on it. Listen to how the pitch gets higher. This is because a smaller straw vibrates differently.

CAROLINE:(notes getting higher)

RAY: Let me try. (notes getting higher)

CAROLINE: Oh, that's awesome!

RAY: (notes continue to go higher)

CAROLINE: That's awesome.

RAY: See if you can make a musical instrument that uses vibrations in different ways.