Bucket drumming is fun and easy to learn. It’s a great way to teach rhythm and drumming to students. This activity turns ordinary buckets into bucket drums. It’s affordable and works well in schools. However, using the right buckets, drumsticks, and noise management methods can improve the experience. In this guide, we discover the best buckets for bucket drumming in schools. You’ll learn where to buy bucket drums, which drumsticks to use, and how to make drumming quieter.

When it comes to bucket drumming, not all bucket drums are created equal. The type, size, and material of the bucket can greatly impact the sound quality, durability, and ease of use. Here are some key factors to consider when looking for the best buckets for drumming:

• 5-Gallon/20 Litre Buckets: These are the most popular choice for bucket drumming. Their large size provides a deep, resonant tone when struck in the centre and a higher-pitched tone near the edges. They also accommodate a wide range of drumming techniques. Often they come with a lid, which can be used for a deeper, bass drum style tone. Alternatively, the lids can be removed, and they can be placed open-end down on the floor, and played on the closed end.

• Smaller Buckets: For younger students, smaller buckets (e.g., 2-3-gallon/10 Litre) are easier to handle and produce higher-pitched tones. However, often these are made of lighter weight plastic, which may not stand up to the punishment of bucket drumming. These probably should be avoided for that reason. If you can find strong, smaller buckets in the same style as the 5-Gallon/20 Litre ones pictured, they will work well.

• Plastic Buckets: Durable, lightweight, and affordable, plastic buckets are the go-to choice for most bucket drumming programs. They come in various colors, allowing for creative and visually appealing setups.

• Metal buckets can add a unique, sharper tone to the ensemble, but should be used very sparingly due to their volume and durability.

• Home Depot “Homer” Buckets: These bright orange 5-gallon buckets are durable and widely available at hardware stores.

• Any Generic White 5 Gallon buckets: Similar in size and quality to the Home Depot ones, these are another popular option.

Bucket drums can be purchased from a variety of sources:

• Hardware Stores:  Stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware are excellent places to find affordable, high-quality buckets. Bulk discounts may be available.
• Online Retailers: Amazon and other online stores often sell buckets in packs, which can be convenient for larger school programs.
• Restaurant Supply Stores: Many restaurants use 5-gallon buckets for food storage. Contact local establishments to see if they have clean, unused buckets available for free or at a low cost.
• Recycling Centres: Check with local recycling facilities for gently used buckets that can be repurposed for drumming.

This is a common question we’ve had here at the Fun Music Company.
It goes something like this:

“The buckets we purchased came with lids. Should we use them or throw them away?”

Firstly, bucket drumming will work with or without the lids. The drums can either be:

1. Placed on their base and played with the lid on as their “skin”

or …

2. Placed upside down with their open end on the floor and played using the bottom closed end as the “skin”. The lid could be thrown away.

Either way will work. The answer for you may depend on the sound that you prefer. The lid tends to be a lower tone, more like a bass drum. However the bottom of the bucket tends to be a slightly higher tone, a little more like a tom tom.

So, experiment with the buckets you have, and perhaps try some with lids, and some without. It is up to you!

The type of drumsticks used in bucket drumming can influence the sound and play-ability. Here are some factors to consider when selecting drumsticks:

• Wooden Drumsticks: These are the most common choice. Look for sticks made of hickory or maple, which are lightweight and durable.
• Plastic or Nylon-Tipped Drumsticks: These produce a slightly brighter sound and can be more durable than wooden tipped sticks.

• Standard Sizes: Drumsticks labeled 5A or 7A are ideal for bucket drumming. They are lightweight, making them easy to use for extended periods
• Home-made Drumsticks: If budget is a concern, consider making your own drumsticks with straight dowels from the hardware store. They should be sanded carefully and finished with varnish. They can also be covered with plastic tape to make them last longer.

Drumsticks can be purchased at:

• Music Stores: Local music shops often carry a wide variety of drumsticks. Staff can help recommend the best options for beginners.

• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Ebay and Guitar Center offer extensive selections of drumsticks, often at discounted prices.

• Educational Suppliers: Companies like Rhythm Band Instruments specialize in classroom percussion supplies.

Bucket drumming can be loud, which may not always be ideal for classrooms or shared spaces. Here are some strategies to reduce noise levels:

• Alternative Sticks/Rods: If you can afford them, drum brushes or multi-rods produce a softer sound compared to traditional drumsticks.

• Foam Pads: Place a thin layer of foam or rubber over the playing surface to absorb vibrations and reduce sound. It is possible to make these by purchasing a rubber yoga mat, and cutting circles out of it, then gluing or taping it onto the playing surface of the bucket.

• Towels or cloth: Drape a towel over the bucket’s playing surface to muffle the sound. This is a quick and affordable solution.

• Drum Mutes: Rubber drum mutes designed for drum kits can be cut to fit over bucket surfaces, significantly reducing volume.

• Lighter Strokes: Teach students to play with a lighter touch, focusing on control rather than force. Dynamics control is a critical element which is covered comprehensively in the bucket drumming program from the Fun Music Company

One of the most important factors in keeping volume under control is classroom management. Students should not play the bucket at any time if they are not playing together. Individual practice is not required or desirable in the classroom. They should only ever make a sound on the drum when playing together.

Students who do not comply with this direction should be immediately removed from the activity, until everyone understands that to successfully make music together they must all work as a team. Strict classroom management is very important to make this happen, and at the Fun Music Company we even provide a comprehensive guide for this area in our bucket drumming program.

• Stackable buckets save space and make it easy to transport and store your equipment.
• Use one bucket to collect all sticks together. Sticks do not necessarily need to be kept together in perfect pairs for bucket drumming. All sticks can be collected into one bucket.
• Inspect buckets and drumsticks regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace damaged items promptly to ensure safety.

• Allow students to decorate their buckets with paint or stickers. This can make for a visually striking performance.
• Experiment with different bucket types and sizes to create a variety of tones and textures.
• Have students contribute ideas for staging their performance. They enjoy suggesting choreography or costuming ideas to create an engaging performance.
• Have students compose their own pieces. Use this as extension to the composition activities in the Fun Music Company music curriculum program. Alternatively, then can adapt rhythm compositions they have already made to the bucket drums.

• Show students how to hold drumsticks correctly and strike different parts of the bucket for varied sounds. Videos and guidance on this are included in the Fun Music Company bucket drumming program. This not only improves their playing but also minimises wear on the equipment.

• Integrate bucket drumming with music theory, mathematics (rhythm counting), or even physical education for a cross-curricular approach.

Bucket drumming is a dynamic and cost-effective way to introduce students to the world of percussion. By choosing the right buckets, drumsticks, and noise-dampening techniques, you can create an enjoyable and manageable experience for everyone involved. Whether you source buckets from local hardware stores or online retailers, the key is to prioritize durability, sound quality, and ease of use. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, bucket drumming can become a highlight of your school’s music program!