The iPad As a Musical Instrument

Monkey Machine

Click here to go to the  Monkey Machine web page, if you like rhythm, drums, or just generally making noise.

"Monkey Machine is a free online drum machine intented for music practice purposes.

To run Monkey Machine, click the green "launch" button above. If the application won't start, check that Javascript is enabled in your browser, and Java Runtime Environment 1.5 or later is installed in your system."

When you click on the green  "Launch" Button on the web page, a second window will open, Java will load, and your drum machine will appear.  Make that window "full screen", and begin to click on the different squares to turn sounds on and off. You can also define your drum kit with the  tool bar at the top of the screen.  When you're finished, you can download your work, and edit it in Audacity or Garage Band.

Yellow Jackets

Did you notice the yellow jackets in school this morning? Did you hear them sing?
We have just this morning heard incredible sounds from this visiting acappella (unaccompanied voices) choir from University of Rochester, New York. The 9 male students dropped into to perform for our year 5 and 6 students and we had such a great time as they entertained us with their fabulous sounds. Lady Gaga will never be the same again!
Check out their website http://www.jackets.org/

Of course, they have a video on YouTube -



"The University of Rochester YellowJackets perform "I Want it That Way" originally by The Backstreet Boys. The performance was on February 14th, 2009 on the University of Rochester campus in Strong Auditorium during the "Harmony for Hope" concert. The concert was held to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester." (link)

"a Whole Lotta Mobile Phones"

2 Android handsets + 2 Windows Mobile devices 1 1 iPod touch = a banjo?

The Science of Music

Visit the Exporatorium's webpage about music, called Science of Music, the Accidental Scientist.

"What is music? Is birdsong music? How about the tap-tap-tap of a hammer, or the wail of a creaking door? Is playing a garbage can different than playing a drum?

Explore the science of music with us, through these online exhibits, movies, andquestions. Along the way, you can compose, mix, dance, drum, experiment, and above all…listen."

In particular, explore the Online Exhibits:

"Maybe you’ve never really considered yourself very musical. Maybe you quit the flute three months after you picked it up. That’s okay. Music is in all of us, and even just by popping a CD into the stereo, you’re tapping into its power.

These exhibits will let you mess around with music in ways you probably haven’t before.  Headphones are recommended, or at least a decent set of computer speakers." 

There are also movies, like this one on Tuning:







Click through to the Exporatorium's webpage, and explore it all!