Sounds of Music B

[ScienceOlympian]

My partner and I are planning to play Habanera from Carmen. Would that be a good choice for cello and marimba (xylophone)? Or should I pick a more well known piece?

[zyzzyva980]

I think that would be a good fit, and I wouldn't worry about people knowing it. They'll certainly recognize the tune, even if they don't know its name.

[jennyk]

I have a question about building policy and tool safety. We're using metal pipe for one of the instruments, and the hardware store has a station that cuts pipe for you but won't let you use it for safety reasons. If we do the calculations, is it ok to have them do the cutting?

[chalker]

I have a question about building policy and tool safety. We're using metal pipe for one of the instruments, and the hardware store has a station that cuts pipe for you but won't let you use it for safety reasons. If we do the calculations, is it ok to have them do the cutting?

Yes. There's nothing in the policies that says you need to start with raw material and do all actions on it yourself. You are just buying a length of pipe. The original pipe in the factory that made it was likely much longer and cut there as well.

[ScienceOlympian]

I talked with my partner today and she said that we could do an alto flute and a marimba. The other team in my school is doing a lyre and chimes. Which one sounds better together? And which one would score more points (if you were the event supervisor) if they had the same workmanship?

[zyzzyva980]

Which one sounds better together?

Depends how well you play them.

Cheap answer, I know. But true. The team that listens to each other better and understands how their instruments fit with each other will sound better.

And which one would score more points (if you were the event supervisor) if they had the same workmanship?

Ideally, they'd score the same. The lyre and chimes are probably slightly more original, though, from what I've seen, so they might score just a point or two higher. Nothing that can't be overcome by doing well in the other categories.

[hscmom]

Go for the inexpensive instruments when you can. No need to go broke! We did well in SOM (C div) a few years ago with a PVC flute and a marimba made with hardwood floor scraps. Neither project cost very much at all. Ask around and you might find that you can find some scraps, etc.

A few years back I judged SOM at an invitational and while I was totally impressed with unique instruments and beautiful instruments, it all came down to tone and intonation. One team came in with a breathtakingly beautiful instrument that I couldn't wait to hear! It was tinny sounding and out of tune. Ugh. Lots of intricate work for something that just did not sound good. Make something simple but make something that sounds awesome.

[ScienceOlympian]

Sorry for asking too much questions.
My partner and I haven't even decided what instrument we're going to build, and the first invitational is only one month and one week away! My partner HATES bowed string instruments.
What instruments would you pick out of the list below? My partner and I have been discussing this problem for 2 weeks, but we haven't reached an agreement. So I need your opinion because we aren't going anywhere.
Which instruments should I pick? (note that the invitational is approximately one month away, and I have 4 events!!) What are the benefits of each?
1) Wind: Flute, Pan Pipes
2) Strings- Harp, Hammered Dulcimer, Guitar
3) Percussion- Kalimba, Xylophone (Marimba), Chimes (the other team at my school MIGHT be doing this), or PVC marimba

Which should be our instrument 1 and 2? UGHH my partner and I can't decide! And it's been 2 weeks!

Also, what things could be use for Harp, Guitar or Dulcimer strings? I have a low budget, and I can't buy a set of harp or dulcimer strings and I don't have any extra strings lying around. Could anything other than commercial strings that you buy work to make a acceptable sound?

[silverheart7]

Last year, I used cheap guitar strings to make a simple harp. It worked and sounded pretty well, but you'll really just have to figure out what you like through trial and error.

[ScienceOlympian]

Last year, I used cheap guitar strings to make a simple harp. It worked and sounded pretty well, but you'll really just have to figure out what you like through trial and error.

But if there are only 6 guitar strings, how did you play all of the notes? Did you cut the guitar strings and how did it sound, compared to other harps? And how did you attach the strings onto the frame and fine tune the strings? Is it possible to make the harp out of PVC?

Okay, I decided on the instruments. I just need to get my partner's approval.
Harp and Bass Marimba.
Would Habanera or Canon in D sound better on these instruments? (timbre, blend, etc...)