Introduction
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How to Build an Australian Community Orchestra
What is a "community orchestra"?
A group of people who regularly meet to practice and perform music together.
Who can participate?
That all depends on the orchestra. Our particular take on it though, is that no one should be excluded simply because they don't have an instrument or know how to play. We help players make their own low-cost instruments, and write or score music which is designed so that people with limited experience can take the stage with virtuoso's.
What is an example of a "community orchestra"?
The Reclaimers Street Orchestra is a working example of a community orchestra.
What does "build an orchestra" mean?
To build an orchestra, you must:
- Acquire or build the instruments
- Find enough people to play the orchestral 'parts'
- Learn to play the instruments, singly and together
- Select or compose music you all enjoy performing
Along the way, you are likely to develop enduring friendships and a real sense of community.
Why is building an orchestra a great community activity?
Everyone benefits! Anyone can play! There are instruments for every level of interest.
- Those that want an instrument can build one of their own, learning from those who have already done so, and developing the confidence to build other things that interest them in the future.
- Those who want to learn to play can learn from more experienced players in their group.
- Those who want to compose will have instruments to write for, and players interested in trying their compositions.
- Orchestras, by their very nature, require audiences. Those who don't want to build or play (parents, spouses, family members or friends) can still participate by attending performances, and by applauding (enthusiastically and often).
Build Your Own Musical Instruments
What sort of musical instruments can be easily made?
We've built all sorts of instruments, including guitars, ukuleles, violin family instruments, tuned and un-tuned percussion, pan pipes and flutes. They are all easy to make, but the simpler percussion instruments and wind instruments are probably the easiest.
Can anyone make them?
Anyone with access to simple hand tools and a willingness to scrounge a bit can make one of these instruments. If you haven't built anything before, we suggest you enlist the help of someone that has, at least to start.
How much does it cost to make one instrument?
In general, the material cost is between $5 and $10 per instrument. The build time varies quite a bit though. The instruments currently being used in the Reclaimers Orchestra are listed below. The build times stated are for an experienced builder with some power tools being used. A novice builder will take between 2-4 times as long, and string instruments can take 2-4 times as long again if they are entirely built without electricity.
- 2 string violin or viola 4 hrs,
- 2 string cello 5 hrs,
- 4 string violin 6 hrs,
- Electric guitar or bass (high school version) 15 hrs + body which could be 1 to 30 hrs,
- Acoustic guitar 25 hrs + 3 hrs for optional electronics, if desired,
- 3 or 4 string acoustic "biscuit tin" ukulele or dulcimer or mandolin 10 hrs,
- Pipe Drums 2 hrs per octave (diatonic),
- PVC Flute 30 mins,
- Choobs (tuned didge/pan pipe) 2 hrs per octave (chromatic),
- Cajon (box drum) 2hrs,
- Tamborine 3hrs,
- Snare drum 10 hrs.
How much does it cost to make enough instruments for an orchestra?
The group photograph of the Reclaimers Street Orchestrashows around 16 instruments, which should cost no more than $10 apiece to make, or $160 for the lot, maximum.
What do they sound like?
In general, the instruments sound very much like the "standard" instruments that they're based on. We feel that it's very important that the orchestra not sound like a "junk band". All of the instruments can be played in perfect tune and have pleasant tones. The volume of the instruments is generally a little quieter than factory built ones but many of them have cheap electric pickup options which make them as loud as you want.
There are examples of recordings on the Reclaimers Facebook page.
What do I need to get started?
An interest in building your own instrument, the information we've provided here, and a little time to put the two together.
