Instruments
Description
The point of this project is to create an instrument, from mostly recycled materials if possible, that can actually produce an octave of notes. This project was done in groups and when each instrument was made, the pairs were combined into different groups to create a song that could be played during exhibition.
What instrument are you building, Megan?!
I am partners with Samantha Salazar for the Making Music Project. Together we have decided to build a xylophone. This choice was made off of many different components. The major factor was that the design of a xylophone seemed simple enough to recreate in the time allowed. Also, I know how to play the piano and a xylophone closely resembles this instrument. Therefore, the performance piece wouldn't be so stressful.
Project Components
- Each pair will create a working instrument that has at least one octave of notes.
- Individually, one essay will be written on these 9 topics:
- How does your instrument physically work?
- What physics concepts allow your instrument to create sound?
- How does your instrument make the 8 notes?
- Why are the 8 notes different?
- What variables effect the frequencies that are produced?
- How does your instrument sound?
- What is the culture and significance of your instrument?
- Diagram of instrument with proper labels.
- MLA citation page attached.
- Each pair joins other groups to create a band which will perform a song at exhibition.
- Digital portfolio page on project.
Status Report #1
- What We Are Building & How We Are Building It
- Blueprint 1
- List of Materials 1
- What We Have & What We Need
- Determined Size and Design of Xylophone
Status Report #2
- Blueprint Final
- List of Materials Final
- 50% Finished Poster
- Gathered Materials
Building the Xylophone...
Before creating the instrument we had to decide what design we wanted to use. Then we needed to gather our materials. My partner and I decided to create a 2 octave xylophone because that way we could both play one octave at a time.
Materials:
Materials:
- 18 bars of hollowed bamboo (12” long & 2” wide & 1” thick) (small crescent cut from back)
- Electronic tuner
- Oil (optional)
- Saw
- Shaping tool
- Two wood planks (18” wide & 58” long & 3” thick)
- Nails
- Cotton
- Rubber bands
- 4 wooden dowels (6 inches)