"The Science of Sound"
--Music and Instrument Traditions Around the World
and Across Time
--Instrument Building Residency
Bells & Motley?s incredible collection of authentic folk instruments brings to life traditions and cultures from around the world.
When experienced in performance, the instruments? unusual appearance expresses their wide-ranging origins, and draws students in closely to observe the variety of shapes and sizes, explore the ingenious use of natural native materials, and experience the wide range of sounds and emotions produced. This interactive performance correlates with a wide variety of social studies, creative writing, and science curriculum projects.
In this related workshop, the Bromkas? utilize these and other instruments, with additional resources, to teach principals of sound production. Participants will see, hear, and test principals of string length, sound boxes & amplifiers, vibration, energy transfer, and much more. Students? fascination in learning how gut strings, skin heads, horn whistles, cane reeds, and other sound producers can be made directly from nature provides inspiration and information for their own musical instrument inventions.
In a 5-day residency, the Bromkas guide students in the creation of their own musical instruments. Strummed dulcimers are especially recommended as exceptionally playable instruments, adaptable to varying abilities of most students. Linked to many countries and centuries, variations occur from Medieval Europe to the Appalachian mountains. During the building process, students learn hands-on about the role of sound box amplifiers, string length and proportion, spatial relations, and solid & surface geometry, ornamentation, and the handling of tools. Pride in workmanship and teamwork are other important aspects of this residency. The finished product will be a quality, versatile addition to the music teaching program. Students may work as individuals or teams.
LEARNING STANDARDS: Arts 1, 2, 3, 4; English Language Arts 1, 3, 4; Occupational 1, 2, 3; Math/Science 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Social Studies 2, 3
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