Share a big hit song that surprises you

What can we use if we don't have rubber bands, bottles, or a pot for instruments?

If you don't have rubber bands for step 4, use a hair tie or string stretched around a shoebox lid, and if you lack bottles or a pot for step 5, use different-sized cups or tins filled with varying amounts of water to create distinct pitches.

My homemade instrument sounds too quiet or wrong-pitched — how can I fix it?

For a quiet or off-pitch sound during steps 4–5, tap closer to the center or edge to change volume, tighten or loosen the rubber band to adjust pitch, and change bottle water levels or tap strength until the melody in your planned 30–60 second section rings clearly.

How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?

For younger children simplify steps by choosing a 15–30 second section, using one easy instrument and skipping a written plan, while older kids can expand the task by arranging harmony, writing a detailed tiny plan in step 9, practicing more than three times, and multi-tracking their recording.

What are easy ways to make the performance more creative or personal before sharing on DIY.org?

To enhance your final take in steps 11–13, add a simple costume or visual prop, layer a second instrument or vocal harmony, use your phone's basic editing to trim or combine takes, and include a one-sentence title explaining why the hit song is surprising.