Pluck them, bang them, shake them up, and blow into them-these instruments produce every type of joyful noise. They range from wood temple gongs to water drums to stamping tubes-and with a variety of gourds, you can have your own orchestra! Tips on choosing your gourd, cleaning it, sealing it, and even decorating and playing the finished instrument will assure that you’re making beautiful music. Try fashioning rattles, like a Mesoamerican Indian rain stick and popular African shekere; a Caribbean guiro; a gorgeous mbira or thumb piano; and friction drums that wail or roar-depending on how much pressure you use. There are also instruments from India, Central and South America, and the Far East-even the familiar banjo and guitar.