WATERFALL Imagine the sound of water pouring over rocks. Not Niagara Falls— think smaller. The clattering of the many pods on the waterfall instrument provides an approximation of water cascading gently over stones.
WATERFALL
WIND CHIMES Composers and arrangers frequently use the wind chimes to lend an ambient effect to music. While the plinking timbre is not the sound of wind, the delicate tones of wind chimes suggest a gentle breeze is blowing. Aluminum, copper, bamboo, glass, and ceramics are among the materials used as the sound-producing elements. A collection of keys strung together can create the wind chimes effect as will a light brushing of the bar chimes.
WIND WAND Many years ago, I watched with curiosity as percussionist Gregg Johnson began swinging an odd-looking contraption. As the instrument spun in a circle, a whirring drone-like sound was produced. I was captivated by both the sight and sound and eventually added a wind wand to my instrument arsenal. Whether the device sounds like wind might be debatable, but it’ s sure an interesting effect. The video on the previous page provides a demo of the wind wand.
WIND MACHINE
WIND WHISTLE In addition to imitating wind sounds, the Acme Windmaster 263 will also produce bird calls. With a bit of practice, you can imitate the sonic effect of wind whistling around a building.
WIND MACHINE What an apparatus! Imagine an alternating slat cylinder mounted horizontally. There is a crank to rotate the canister. A big piece of canvas or rough fabric is placed against the cylinder. As the crank is turned, the cylinder rubs against the cloth creating a wind-like sound. Check out the wind machine photo to the right provided by my friend, Mike McNicholas with DFW Percussion Rentals.
Will you ever use any of these instruments in church? I’ ve certainly inserted some of those sounds during a service— but there might be a need for some of these geophonic sounds in illustrated sermons and church-related dramatic productions. Perhaps one of these unusual instruments might produce the very sound you didn’ t know you were seeking.
© 2026 Mark Shelton Productions
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician, educational consultant, and content creator based in Dallas / Fort Worth. Mark’ s percussion work has been heard with the North Carolina Symphony, Tin Roof Tango, Daystar Television, Gateway Worship, Stonebriar Church, Wichita Falls Orchestra, Boha Tribe, Victory Channel, Strata Big Band, TALEA, and Dallas Wind Symphony. www. marksheltonmusic. com www. percussionforworship. blogspot. com
October 2026 Subscribe for Free... 109