Composition 2a/b

MUH 1024/5

The Make Your Own Project

The Project

For the next four weeks we will be dealing with creating not just music, but the instruments which will do the playing.

You will be divided into four groups or orchestras. Each orchestra is required to create between four and six instruments. The group will then compose music for these instruments, which will be performed during the workshops.

The Orchestras

Each orchestra must contain instruments which use the following methods of sound production:

1. A vibrating string (scraped or plucked)
2. A vibrating string (beaten)
3. The disturbance of a column of air

NB - There should be no more than three instruments whose basic method of sound production is percussive, (i.e., things which are beaten, scraped, scratched, whipped or otherwise abused).

Additional Points:

• At least one instrument should require electrical amplification.
• In at least two of the instruments the mechanism by which the methods of creating the sound are implemented should be of primary concern, (for example, using some sort of device for hitting one or more implements).
• At least three of the instruments should result in sounds of a definite (although not necessarily tempered) pitch.
• It should be possible for all instruments to be played from more or less standard notation.
• Optionally, one 'standard' instrument may be used
• Each orchestra my use up to three musical 'accessories' such as bows, mutes, plectrums or mouthpieces.
• Optionally, each orchestra may include one human body as a sound making device.
• There should be no use of unadulterated, unadapted readymade or manufactured items.
• All instruments should be designed and the plans handed in with the final portfolios.

Marks will be awarded for quality & originality of design, quality of manufacture. quality & originality of sound, ease and versatility of use.

You may decide to investigate which sounds you want to include in your final compositions before deciding how to make your own...

Good luck!