How to Make a Homemade Band

During snow days and holidays, kids are likely to get a bit antsy sitting around the house, and parents who are caring for them are probably in much the same situation. When it's too cold to get outside, try making musical instruments from things you have laying around the house to make some melodies and rhythm. This is sure to get the kids dancing and singing, and it's a great way to release some of their pent up energy.

A drum: What band is a true band unless it has a great rhythm section underscoring its performances? A cardboard oatmeal container will double as a drum. It can be cut in two around the cylinder's midsection, and then two aspiring percussionists can hit out a great beat. Orange juice containers or other hard plastic containers that are empty could work as well.

Maracas/Tambourine: Two paper plates glued together with rocks, dried beans, or sand inside make great maracas or tambourines. Kids can decorate the outside of the plates to match their personalities and really personalize the band's image.

Horn: There might not be any toilet paper in the bathroom, but that empty roll can be a great horn for a future trumpet or saxophone player. It could also double as a microphone for the next "American Idol" star.

Guitar: With a small cardboard box (tissue box or shoebox), parents can cut an oval in the top, stretch a few rubber bands length-ways around the box, and put a pencil underneath the rubber bands on one end to create a great guitar. Optional is to attach a paper towel or toilet paper roll to the end for the end of the guitar. Let the next Hendrix take center stage!