Hey, let's get everyone into the act! Here is a pair of spoons for you, and you, and you! How about a shaker gourd for you? Who wants the washboard? All hands go up for the coveted washboard. Well, it does make the loudest sound, except for the banjo of course!

After Suzanne briefly coaches each instrumentalist, Jim leads the group in a rollicking song and encourages each section of participants to take center stage. Now we have the start of the Family Kitchen Band - a highlight of Shake, Rattle and Spoon, an interactive, intergenerational program of traditional singing and music games.

Traditional music is a fundamental part of our American cultural heritage growing from the life experiences of the many people who have built our national character. They sang in the voices of the common people using everyday language and so the words are readily memorized. The simple lyrics of songs such as "Polly Wolly Doodle" or " Hop Along Peter" can lead to improvised vocalizations and word play and thus serve to expand young people's language skills. These songs have distinctive, often danceable rhythms and melodies, making them easy to learn and stimulating rhythmic activity.

Shake Rattle and Spoon can become the foundation for a life-long shared family activity.