Paradiddle Drum Song

Activity Instructions:

Pass out drums to students, with 2 drumsticks each (use a mix of wood and plastic drumsticks). Explain that there are different ways that drummers hit the drums, and that today we are going to learn one, a paradiddle. A paradiddle consists of two single strokes followed by a double stroke, i.e., RLRR or LRLL. When multiple paradiddles are played in succession, the first note always alternates between right and left. A single paradiddle is often used to switch the “lead hand” in drumming music. Also demonstrate a drum roll. Then sing and play the song.

Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
left right left left, right, left, right, right,
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
left right left left, right, left, right, right,
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
left right left left, right, left, right, right,
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle,
roll

Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
learn-ing how to play the drums now
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
learn-ing how to play the drums now
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle, 
learn-ing how to play the drums now
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle,
roll

par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle
watch me drum-ming watch me drum-ming
par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle
watch me drum-ming watch me drum-ming
par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle
watch me drum-ming watch me drum-ming
Par-a-did-dle par-a-did-dle,
roll