Today, while clowning at Childrens' Memorial Hospital, Uncle Bill and I discovered an easy routine that the patients loved.

We first asked the patient if he/she would like us to play a song. Given permission, I conducted as Bill played his sliding whistle. Conducting meant I waved my arms in various directions and Bill played the whistle, mimicking my movements. If I lowered my arms, he slid down, both physically and instrumentally.

Then I asked if the patient wanted to conduct. Most children were eager. One little boy said "no",so I asked if he wanted his father to conduct, to which he laughed and shook his head "yes".

I would move my head around and Bill played his whistle in the same directions as the conductor moved his arms. I finally had to tell one little boy that I was getting very dizzy (which I was!) and ask if we could rest.

I think this routine was so successful because the patient was involved and empowered.

These spontaneous routines are fantastic and simple, thanks for the tip!
I have a rainbow umbrella that I "play" as a guitar, and we often carry along cheap toy tambourines and shakers to teach the kids a simple song and make an impromptu band. I have a friend that made a "guitar" from and old frying pan and pasted a plastic joke fried egg on it. The guitar strap is a telephone chord, so that if he drops the "guitar" it will go all the way to almost touch the ground and then bounce back into his hands!

The band idea is terrific, Sally. And I love the guitar fashioned from the frying pan.

The clown world is filled with such creative people!

Arne, thanks for creating this site that facilitates our sharing.

I realize that I am obcessed with my rubber chicken collection, so in light of that, I of course always use Roberta the Rubber chicken as my guitar. I simply tell the kids that she is taking guitar, isn't she doing well? I am in the market for a large sized rubber chicken, like 3 foot, anyone have any shopping spots for me? thanx, val baby

Sorry, Valentine, I can't help you find a bigger chicken, but I absolutely love your guitar and picture myself playing a rubber chicken guitar that sings duets with the kids.

They make lip shaped "hummers" that can be used so "the guitar sings" and you "don't move your lips".

I can't wait to see the responses your terrific idea brings! Thank you a million zillion.

[This message was edited by Clown Dode on April 16, 2003 at 07:27 AM.]