Pro Forma

1. Project Summary (One concise paragraph only)

To produce a piece of music, played by children on uniquely designed brass instruments they have made themselves, from irreparable trumpets, trombones etc
Inspiration for the children will be in the form of instruments I have made myself, and an instruction manual, which may be retained by the school for further projects.


2. Context (Background)

My father is head of music in a large grammar school (1200 pupils) and Chair of Examiners for A Level music in Northern Ireland. He presented me with the problem of an imbalance of fewer pupils playing brass instruments compared to woodwind, strings and percussion. The reasons for this, he says, are varied and may include factors such as expense, popularity, and the necessity for regular practice on six/seven days per week – pupils on non-brass can progress on 4 days of practice per week.

3. Rationale (Why the project is relevant to you and to GDComm practice)

Coming from a musical background this project is hugely relevant to me. My whole family play various numbers of musical instruments. I myself have played a number of instruments in my childhood but admittedly not to a high level. I am more concerned about the construction of these instruments and their overall performance. In terms of relevance to GDComm practice this project offers a number of design outcomes; the instruments themselves will have to be carefully designed, instruction manuals may be involved to help children with a better understanding on how each part works and also, there is potential to document the activities on film and create an engaging piece of moving image.




4. Skills Evidence: (describe your approach to the following)

Topicality and future projection potential

By using redundant instruments to create new experimental brass instruments it is effectively keeping waste musical objects to a minimum on landfill sites. With the current economic climate and the high costs of brass instruments, allowing children to construct their own instruments encourages them to investigate more into acquiring a trumpet or trombone etc. If successful the school could potentially carry on this project as part of teaching and learning to encourage more students to take up brass instruments.



Intellectual rigour and debate

The debate is whether or not allowing pupils to construct their own musical instruments will encourage them to take up brass instruments.

Focus of research and analysis

The main focus of research I will need to undergo is how each part of a brass instrument affects the final sound of the object e.g the length and thickness of the pipes. Research will then have to be made on whether constructing new instruments actually does encourage more pupils to take up brass instruments.

Practical skills involved

• The generation of experimental brass instruments from redundant trumpets, trombones etc.
• The design and layout of a book explaining the process behind creating each instrument and why certain aspects will affect the final sound of the instrument.
• Promotional material inviting the pupils to partake in this experiment.
• A short moving image piece documenting the construction of these various instruments by the pupils and me.

Sustainability and Content of project (over as a double unit)

The plan is to work with a highly qualified musical instrument technician and learn how to reassemble the brass parts to create my own instruments. I plan to document this step in the production and construct a tutorial/manual on how to do this. I aim to have at least one working instrument completed by the end of April in order for a professional brass player to learn how to play my creation. This will then help in showing the students the potential of what can be created from old redundant parts. I would then try to aim completion of the above tasks for the beginning of June when all junior summer exams will be complete. The plan is to then have a workshop for a select number of pupils in the first week of June to produce their own musical masterpieces with the help of the Technology and Music departments of the school. The plan is to document by film the construction of these objects and then film the students attempting to play their own creations.

Projection of professional or further research ambitions

The project represents the diversity of my ability to solve problems. I particularly like the idea of working with different professions towards achievable goals, which benefit all interested parties.



Elements of risk and challenge (originality and direction against the status quo)

There is a potential health and safety risk in working children and welding skills. Therefore extreme precautions will have to be taking to ensure the safety of the pupils. Teachers will be present at all times to guide the pupils correctly and safely. This is an experimental form of teaching that needs to engage the pupil in not only musical appreciation but also a technological appreciation for this entire project to be a success.

Predicated outcomes

• A number of newly created brass instruments by the pupils and myself.
• Handbook/manual on how to create brass instruments from old instruments.
• Couple of short films documenting the production and final outcomes of the instruments.
• Possibly a professional brass player at the show demonstrating one of the instruments in use.

Manufacturing and production issues

I plan to acquire old irreparable instruments from instrument technician’s workshop and from secondary schools with the aid of the Northern Ireland Education Board. I will then work with John in learning how to construct my own instruments. Finally I will work with students and teachers in constructing their own instruments and learning how to play them within the technology and music departments of Ballymena Academy.

Opportunities for professional feedback

I will be working directly with music and technology teachers in creating these experimental instruments. There is potential if successful to present this teaching method to the Education Board of Northern Ireland in order to introduce this practice to other secondary schools.