THE MARACAS

The MARACAS

BY ÁLVARO, LUISA AND MANUEL

Start

Index

Type of music

Material

Family

How do you play it

History

Elemnts/Parts

MATERIAL

Maracas are typically made of wood or gourd, which is a type of fruit that has a hard outer shell. The seeds or beans inside the gourd or wood are what create the shaking sound when the instrument is played. Sometimes, maracas may also have a handle made of wood or other materials for easier grip and manipulation.

FAMILY

Maracas belong to the percussion family of instruments.And inside that in untuned percussion instruments (such as drums and maracas).

ELEMENTS/PARTS

Maracas consist of two hollow shells that are joined together by a handle. The shells are filled with seeds, beans, or small stones, which rattle against each other when the instrument is shaken. Some maracas may also have decorative elements such as colorful beads or feathers attached to the handle.

Type of Music/Country

Maracas are commonly associated with Latin American music, particularly genres such as salsa, samba, and bossa nova. However, they are also used in other styles of music, such as Caribbean, African, and Native American music. Maracas have a versatile sound that can add a unique and lively rhythm to many types of music.

How to Play Maracas

Playing maracas is relatively simple. Hold one maraca in each hand and shake them rhythmically. The sound produced by the maracas can vary depending on the speed and force of the shaking, as well as the position of the seeds or beans inside the shells. More advanced techniques such as cross-rhythms and rolls can also be used to create more complex rhythms.

History

The origins of maracas are not well-documented, but they are believed to have originated in South or Central America, where they were used in indigenous rituals and celebrations. Maracas were later adopted by African slaves and incorporated into their music, eventually spreading throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Today, maracas are an important part of many different musical traditions and continue to be a popular and widely-used percussion instrument.

Thanks!

QUIZ

quiz

start

01

What material are maracas typically made of?

WOOD OR GROUD

PLASTIC

METAL

02

Which family of instruments do maracas belong to?

Brass

Percussion

String

03

What are the elements or parts of a maraca?

A long neck and a round body

Two hollow shells joined by a handle

Four strings and a bridge

04

With which type of music or country are maracas commonly associated?

Classical music

Chinese music

Latin American music

05

How are maracas typically played??

Shaking

Pushing

Plucking

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