Sounds of Music

Event Information

Anything about the physics of sound, sound waves, components and types of musical instruments, and music theory is fair game.

Competitors : 2

Materials: 2 inch binder, calculators

Overview: There will be a written test on the physics of sound, components and parts of musical instruments, and music theory such as chords and scales. When your school is called for the hearing, either one or both competitors may go for the instrument testing, while the one competitor can stay and continue the paper test. For the instrument hearing, it is important to have a practice log and a clear diagram of your instrument.

Tips: Know the structure, components, and names of all common wind, string, and percussion instruments, as well as how they are played and how they make sound. For music theory, scales and chords are very important, and it may be necessary to learn the types of scales, such as phrygian and such, though it's not likely. Prior experience in music is very helpful, as the more you have committed to memory after years of practice, the less you have to look up. Plus, you don't have to look up overtones and fingerings is you already know how to play the instrument. Taking previous tests will help to guide you to what instruments to have information. For example, you may or may not need to know what the claves are.

The written test has lots of math and terminology which makes it difficult. Questions may include what kind of sound, vibration, or instrument in a scenario, or the hertz between two notes and such. The test is quite diverse and varied, so a good clear study guide is extremely important. Additionally, it helps to have had some practice with unit cancellations, as these make up much of what you need for physics questions.

When thinking of an instrument to build, the easiest would probably be a plucking instrument, trombone, or flute. Do not make something overly complicated, like a trumpet or french horn (is that even possible), or something with reeds, as professionally made reeds are NOT allowed, so unless you can make your own, don't make a reeded instrument. If you do make your own reed, you probably will have to show proof, which just isn't worth it. If making a flute, try to have someone who knows how to play the flute be on your team because the embouchure for flute is very specific, and direction of air flow from you mouth is key and difficult to learn. For example, you are not blowing into the flute, you are blowing over the flute. Thus, without professional teaching, the flute is not recommended for it's playing difficulty, although it will be easy to make. The trombone may be a good idea, but you will have to make your own makeshift mouthpiece, as professional mouthpieces are NOT allowed. That being said, trombone is also hard to play for several reasons. Remember that the measurement device will pick up on overtones, so make sure you have good overtone control. Brass instruments in general are hard to play for extended periods of time and are very physically taxing. Additionally, the range required is quite large, so when trying for bonus points like going for higher octaves, make sure you can play them, they may be too hard. Experience playing brass instruments in general is also recommended for trombone, mainly for overtone and octave control. A plucking instrument is probably the most straightforward, although perhaps the most difficult to build, primarily for tuning reasons. Professionally made strings ARE allowed. They are probably the easiest to play as with a basic idea of how string instruments change notes and make noises, you can control what pitches you need without complex knowledge of overtones. However, knowledge of the strings needed to play is highly recommended, as the higher notes and octaves will require different strings. Make sure to always have a backup plan in case a string breaks during tuning.