Design and Build by Anju Singh
66″ x 36″ x 5″
Steel round tubes, steel square tubes, wood, wire, fishing line
For this project, I was researching how to build a percussion instrument that would allow for lower pitches to complement the SoundStrike ensemble.
SOUND FIRST: I started by pursuing lower pitch sounds and decided to start with a design based off of tubular bells
RESEARCH: I researched tubular bells, the properties of various types of metal, mounting and hanging solutions, and tested with various lengths, materials and thicknesses.
My first set of tests were not especially successful. I acquired materials, thicknesses, and sizes that according to my research should have provided me with particular results, but I was getting results that were surprisingly different than what I had hoped for. Additionally, the materials were too heavy to be practical and transportable. I decided to question some of the research and tested different shapes and materials and landed with 5 pieces that allowed me to test varying shapes, and sounds. I was happier with this result because while it did not give me exactly the sounds I was looking for, it provided me with more exciting and inviting research and experimentation territory.
Hanging/orientation was being considered too. I opted to hang vertically for this iteration but I am very interested in what a horizontal hang would have sounded like.
About the Artist
Anju Singh is a composer, sound artist, and multi-instrumentalist interested in extended and experimental techniques as well as re-application of traditional instruments in new contexts, sometimes leading to the development and build of new self-made instruments. Anju has presented her work across Canada and internationally including in the US, Brazil, Mexico, Europe, and Japan. In addition to her sound and music practice in areas of improv, experimental music and sound art, Anju also performs under the moniker The Nausea, and is also a drummer, vocalist, synth player and guitarist in various projects.
