DIY Conducting Batons

Several years ago I wanted to make conducting more exciting for my students, so I decided to have them make conducting batons!  Here's the basics of what I did:

Purchase supplies:  You will need:
*wine corks--unused (I bought mine online, it was around $11.00 for 100, but not sure on the shipping)
*wooden skewers like you would use for shish kabobs (priced online for .45 for 100

 

 Also consider buying:
*acrylic paint, gloss, and paintbrushes (egg cartons will work for holding the paint)

*a piece of Styrofoam to stick the batons in for drying the paint

1.  Put each students name or initials on the bottom of the cork.

 2.  Put the pointy end of the skewer into the other end of the cork.

 3.  Have students paint the base of their baton.  They may need 2 coats

 4.  Have students paint the stick of their baton.

5.  Cover with at least 2 coats of gloss.  And--tadah!  You have made cheap batons for maybe .30 each!  They are easy to store in a container with the names up so students can find theirs quickly.  The paint jobs also help them find their baton quicker and also gives them a sense of ownership when conducting :)

 

6.  Make a conducting CD with great classical and popular songs to help your students experience lots of tempos, meters, and musical styles!  Enjoy!