Upcycled Straw Panpipes

For the 2026 Trash to Treasure Contest, I wanted to see if I could transform everyday single-use plastics into a functional musical instrument. Using just a few spare drinking straws, tape, and scissors, I constructed a working set of pocket panpipes. This project explores how changing the physical length of a tube alters its resonant frequency, proving that even simple household waste can be upcycled into an educational, working device."

Three straws

One pair of scissors

And tape

Carefully cut the plastic straws into a staggered staircase configuration. By incrementally decreasing the length of each successive straw, we create distinct chambers that will resonate at different frequencies.

Align the top openings of the straws so they are perfectly flush and level. Wrap clear tape tightly around the midsection to create an airtight seal between the tubes, ensuring the sound waves don't escape through the sides.

Congratulations, you now have a functional, pocket-sized set of panpipes! Blow horizontally across the open tops to play different notes. Note: The attached video demonstration has a black screen to maintain privacy while showcasing the acoustic output of the instrument