Tuned Percussion Making Workshops

 

Musical instruments designed with creative music making in mind

Tuned Percussion Making Workshops for Junior Schools and Special Needs Schools.

Years 4, 5 and 6

In a day, pupils from one class make a 2 Octave Xylophone, Metallophone or a Batonka.

Using a separate classroom I work with a group of 4 pupils on a rotational basis throughout the day. This is a real opportunity for pupils to develop Design and Technology skills as well as the understanding of Science and Music.

The school benefits from the addition of a new instrument that will be in tune with the school’s existing music resources. “It was a great experience for the classes that made the instruments and both are still in use 5 years on.”  Mr Webb, Senior teacher at  Belmont Junior, London, N22

Price from £275 per day (incl. materials) for a class

The instruments can be installed in the playground (as below). For an extra payment which covers the cost of making the frame off-site and installation. Costs from £300 extra.

This metallophone keys were cut and tuned in a day by Year 5 pupils. The keys were then fixed to frame and attached to reclaimed desk legs by Will Embliss. These instruments can be used indoors and out in the playground as desired.

A year 6 student sawing a key at Christchurch Sch NW3

“I would like to thank you for helping Year 5 make a xylophone. It sounds and looks BRILLIANT! I really enjoyed making it and you taught me  how to saw properly.”

“It was fun to be allowed to actually saw wood!”

Measuring a xylophone key

“It was really interesting to find out how to construct and put together the xylophone in a strange way that I’ve never seen before. My favourite part was testing the note that my group made. I also like cutting the wood.”

Naming the keys and stringing the xylophone together
“From the workshop I learned that not everything is easy as it seems. I also learned that it is very hard work but at the end it is worth it.”
The finished Xylophone on display at Christ Church NW3

“I felt proud when we showed it in assembly.”

Filing the metallophone key smooth
Stringing the metallophone together

” I really liked the ringing sound it mad. I learnt that you can make an instrument in one day!”

The Metallophone on display
 I was pleased to be invited back for three days to Christchurch Primary, Hampstead in March 2020. Together we made a Batonka, a Chord Batonka, and a Xylophone with Years 4, 5 and 6

Download Leaflet  Tuned Percussion Making Workshops

Please contact Will Embliss

 07946 625957 or 0208 351 3121

willembliss@gmail.com

78 Devonshire Hill Lane, London, N17 7NG

Tuned Percussion Instruments, Instrument Making Workshops, Science of Sound Workshops, Sound Sculptures, and Installations for Public Places and Playgrounds