Earth Xylophone
Instrument building projects for small groups.
The first earthen xylophone was made in 1991 for the 2nd artist's symposium in Reiskirchen-Ettinghausen 1991. It was inspired by the oak beams which were to be found all around the garden, as well as an intensive involvement with African music. In Africa, huge xylophones are used, among other reasons to protect the harvests in the fields. The music keeps the animals away and at the same time keeps the guards from getting bored.
In the Amadinda Orchestra of Uganda and the Marimba Orchestra of Guatemala, more and more musicians play the same instrument. They "wing" their musical movement and orient themselves by close eye contact and by listening.
Playing this African xylophone game requires a group of players to share the sound rods. Intertwining rhythms develop out of the initial movement. Participants with differing levels of ability each find their way and a sensible place within this type of game. All the rules of play allow the kids to regulate themselves.
The earthen xylophone is 1.8 x 2.5 meters long and offers 12 – 16 rods to 6 – 12 players.
The mobile version can be laid on the ground or on a table (standing height). It has no resounding body, is quickly dismantled, portable and easily stored. For this reason, it is an optimal choice for mobile projects and small engagements.
Low material costs, physical stability and playability for 10 people makes predestines this instruments to fit perfectly within a project week with children or a team development program.
The resounding body of the stationary earthen xylophone is a wood covered pit (approximately 2.5 x 4.5 meters) over which the 12 rods swing on 3 meter long beams. The players sit on the edge of the pit and can stretch out their legs under the xylophone and actually feel the vibration of the instrument against their bodies.
Around 30 children will fit around this instrument and can play on it together. In both versions, the situation is reminiscent of a table, communicatively as well as optically.
The close arrangement of the sounding rods allows the xylophone to be used a picnic table. The close seating of the participants simplifies musical communication and the discovery of appropriate play and improvisational rules. The common availability of the playing materials for all the players creates an easy exchange of rhythms, melodies, and movement patterns at the same time that it eradicates the concern over competition for more important or louder instruments.
During the building project week, the Hands On Museum uses 10 different xylo and metallophones to give insight into the evolution of this type of instrument. The museum also encourages an interest in experimentation , as well as a introductory knowledge about the physics of sound.
The children build simple, inexpensive model xylophones themselves out of roof shingles and take them home. The experiences that they have in the museum and with building their own instruments allow them to be more involved with the construction of the larger xylophones.
Earth xylophone
Length of project: 2 days to a week.
Participants: adults, youths, children as agreed upon
Space requirement: outside or in a work space of about 30 square meters
According to agreement, supplies may be provided. |
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