Format
1. Introduction to the presenter; we set up the format and discuss the Q&A
2. As a way to establish the overall concept of cultures and instruments, our presenter shows a instrument from their culture, and talks briefly about how and why it is used.
3. We meet other Bash the Trash musicians, who through image and video take us on a brief journey to their cultural home through pictures and maps. We learn about an instrument particular to that culture, and students engage in a participatory hands-on musical segment from that tradition.
4. Finally the students will learn how to participate in a fun musical piece that draws inspiration from different traditional backgrounds, but takes on new form and meaning through the cross-cultural exploration, setting an example of tolerance, cooperation and creativity.
5. Q&A
Objectives
Learn about Music and Culture
Music is all around the world. Every human culture, no matter where, uses music to define themselves, to express themselves, and to enjoy. We'll look at musical instruments from around the globe, and try to understand how they work, and how people use them in their own culture.
People in different cultures use instruments for different reasons. This often is reflected in instrument design. If you are marching while playing, you have to be able to carry your drum. But if you are stationary you can create a much larger instrument - a whole drum set… Music can be used for social reasons, in celebrations, in funerals, ceremonies and more - and the instruments used for these vary tremendously in size, shape and playing styles.
Discover Connections between Musical Instruments and Resources
People tend to build musical instruments from whatever they find in their back yard. In general these are simple instruments that can be put together from easily obtained materials, like bamboo, wood, cans and bottles, and clay. But then there are also instruments that are more complex and difficult to build, requiring materials not always locally available. These instruments tend to be built by artisans whose profession is instrument-building.
Explore Connections Between Instruments and Science
The science of sound and acoustics limits the variety of musical instruments that can be built. There is a relationship between the science of sound and the instruments that create sound which can often dictate the shape, size, materials, and construction of instruments. This can lead to interesting similarities in how instruments look, despite being several continents away.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
This show makes connections to
Science: Environment, Climate Change, Plastic Pollution
Music: Cultural music, instrument families, rhythm
Cultural Studies
Dance
State Standards
available on request