I have a pair too, but I only managed one or two workshops and never quite got the hang of them. I do remember him saying that they were to be "played" and not "shaken" as so many people do. And this is what he taught. Also that they were to be regarded as a treble instrument: If you hear a session from a distance, the bones will stand out above the rest of the instruments as their sound carries further. Therefore it is important to get it right!

And mine also have elastic bands on them, as recommended by the master.

Andrea