instrument building

Objective: To build an instrument out of found materials that can play a recognizable tune.

Materials: You may use any materials that are not specifically musical instruments or pieces. You may not purchase anything. Your materials must be garbage, unused items, food, borrowed items, recycling, etc. After the project, all materials must be returned, composted, recycled, replaced, etc. so that your project has no net environmental cost.

Energy: The source of energy for your instrument must be you. For example striking, plucking, rubbing, blowing, strumming, etc. However, you cannot provide any vibration. For example humming, whistling, "buzzing", and singing require you as part of the instrument as well as the source of energy.

Criteria: 1. The instrument should fit on your desk

2. You need to explain exactly how your instrument produces a sustained sound wave (note) from the original energy input. This report must be done by hand with your own hand-drawn diagrams. The vocabulary from the unit should be used correctly in the context of your instrument. Please see the detailed marking rubric below.

3. The performance tune should be one the majority of people know. (for example: Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hot Cross Buns, etc.)

4. I will evaluate the waveform and frequency distribution (quality) of a note of your choosing that is within one octave of middle C (256 Hz) by using an online tuner. You can download a free one from the app store as well.

5. The class (audience) will evaluate the quality of the tune when you perform it for us.

6. Follow the timeline below. Don’t try to carve a carrot into a recorder the night before the project is due.

Example video for inspiration

2015 Timeline: Gather materials and ideas before beginning.

before October 16 Begin experimenting with materials.

October 16 -23 Begin building instrument.

October 23 - 30 Make report. (see # 2 above)

November 5, 6 Present your instrument for the class!