If you are new to playing drums, it is important that you learn the three elements of a basic drum beat: the bass, the snare, and the hi-hat. These three elements can be played to a certain time signature or rhythm to then create a basic drum beat. The bass is the deeper note on a drum beat. It is often played on regular drums by hitting a pedal on the ground that then hits the middle of a kick drum. The snare is the complementary note to the bass. It is often played on regular drums by hitting the rim of the drum and the middle of the drum with the drumstick. The hi-hat is also known as the lightest note in a drum beat. In a regular drum kit, the hi-hat is made of two cymbals mounted on a stand. To create a basic beat on the bucket drum, you will first need to identify the three elements of a drum beat that you can make on the bucket. Begin by placing the bucket one to two feet in front of the stool on a hard, concrete floor. Sit down on the stool with a drumstick in each hand. The plastic bucket should be between your legs and you should be able to hit the bucket easily with the drumsticks. Use the middle of the bucket as the bass note. Place one foot on the bottom edge of the bucket and tilt it slightly toward you. Then, use one of the drumsticks to hit the middle of the bucket. This should produce a deep bass note. You can also simply hit the middle of the bucket to make a bass note, but tilting the bucket will create a deeper sound. Use the rim of the drum as the snare note. Hit the rim of the drum and the middle of the drum at the same time to make a snare note. Use the concrete floor as the hi-hat. To make a hi-hat note, you can lean down and hit the concrete floor. This should create a nice, sharp hi-hat note.

Summary: Be aware of the three elements of a basic drum beat. Identify the three elements of a drum beat on the bucket.

Wash a few bunches of broccoli. Take a sharp knife and carefully trim away the tough end of the stalks. Throw away the ends and any leaves. Chop the broccoli florets and the tender, small stalks. Set the chopped broccoli aside. You should end up with about 4 cups (700 g) of chopped broccoli. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Chop one onion and add it to the heated oil. Saute the onion over medium heat for about 10 minutes. The onion should become translucent. Avoid overcooking the onion to the point that it becomes caramelized or crispy. Pour in 4 cups (1 liter) of vegetable or chicken stock. Peel and chop 1 russet potato into 1" pieces and add it to the pot. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer (bubble lightly) for about 12 minutes. The potato should be just about tender if you poke it with a fork. Add the chopped broccoli to the pot and continue simmering the soup for another 10 minutes. Check the broccoli and potato for tenderness. They should be soft enough to puree in a blender or with a handheld blender until the soup becomes smooth. If you want to puree the soup in the blender, carefully ladle the hot soup into the blender and puree it in batches. Return the pureed soup to the pot and keep it on low heat. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream and stir the soup. Ensure that the soup doesn't return to a boil since this will make the heavy cream separate. Add salt and pepper to taste. To make this recipe vegan, leave out the cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Summary: Chop the broccoli. Saute the onion. Add the stock and potato. Puree the soup. Add the cream and season the soup.

Keep your chin level with the ground, your shoulders back, and your stomach in. Let your arms fall naturally at your sides. Place your feet about shoulder-width apart, the same stance you would use for working out. Imagine a string holding you up. As you stand tall, imagine a string is coming from the ceiling, pulling you upwards. Keep your lower back inline, and don't move to your tiptoes. Visualization techniques like this one can guide your sense of the proper position you should be in. Stand with your back against a door or wall. Just touch the wall with the back of your head, your shoulders, and your butt. Your heels should be 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2cm) away from the wall. Slide your hand behind your back to check for space. You should be able to slide your hand behind your back but only by a little bit. If you have more space than that, pull your bellybutton back towards your spine to help flatten your back a little. If you can't slide your hand behind your back, arch your back so that you can. Try to hold this position as you move away from the wall, rechecking as needed. Away from the wall, if you simply put your head back, tuck your chin in, and pull your abdominals in, then you will find that your spine, shoulders, and chest automatically go into the positions that they're supposed to be in for good posture. Think about it: If you put your head back and tuck your chin in, then your chest will automatically be out front. And the good change in spine position will automatically push your shoulders back, to the correct position, and encourage the proper curve to the middle of your back (near the bottom of the rib cage). Then, it becomes quick and easy to think: "Head back, chin tucked, abs in." Go back to the wall again and notice that the wall actually guides you to achieve this very posture of "Head back, chin tucked, abs in" Make an "X" from your shoulders to your hips. Add a straight line of tape across your shoulders closing the top of the X. Wear this during the day to help retrain your back. This technique works really well if you hold your shoulders back before taping. Use a tape meant for skin, such as a medical tape. Instead of tape, you can buy a posture corrector online. When you rest on your heels, your natural tendency will be to slouch. Instead, stand up straight, shifting your weight forward a bit. Now rock back so that your weight is on your heels. Notice the way your entire body shifts into a "slouchy" posture with this single motion. Imagining a book on your head will help you keep your head up and your back straight. If you're having trouble imagining it, try a real book for a few minutes. Have a good standing posture while moving. Walking with good posture is simply an extension of standing with good posture. Keep your head up, shoulders back, chest out, and eyes looking straight ahead while you walk. Avoid pushing your head forward. Choose shoes that have ample padding to help you hold yourself upright. In addition, make sure they have good arch support. Good posture starts with your feet. Avoid shoes with high heels, as they can change your body's alignment. If you're standing for long periods, add padding to the floor for additional comfort.

Summary: Find your center by standing up straight and tall. Use a wall to teach yourself correct posture. Have someone tape an X on your back to help correct your posture. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Walk as if you have a book balanced on your head. Pick supportive footwear for standing and walking.

Pre-wash you fabric.Washing your fabric is important, since it can shrink.
Summary: Get your fabric ready.