Catch the Vibrations!
with the Barnett String Quartet

When does sound become music? What makes sounds loud or soft, high or low? The highly talented Barnett String Quartet makes science fun, with visual and interactive experiments featuring traditional string instruments. For the selected small group, this Science and Music residency will significantly advance student’s understanding of sound production.

Description and Timing: This very unique residency includes a hands-on series of workshops, with the assembling of instruments from everyday materials, composing a simple musical composition, and additional assistance from a Franklin Institute consultant. For optimum impact, the sessions are spaced at intervals of no more than ten days to two weeks. Additional workshops can also be incorporated into the program.

Residency format

Day 1: General Assembly or Assemblies for School Population: Given by the Barnett String Quartet, the entire school participates in this very visual and interactive presentation on the science of sound production. With demonstrations that make vibrations almost visible to the naked eye, and a big take apart cello, the introductory session winds up with a country fiddle hoe down, involving everyone.

Workshop 1 for Core Group of Students: Following the general assemblies, one classroom, or group of students, selected by the school, begins the first workshop with a review of how sound travels via sound waves, through solids, liquid and air. Then, out come the supplies - aluminum pie plates, straws, paper clips, rubber bands and buckets, and the assembly of student instruments begins. Every student will make one of five different instruments. Classroom and/or music teachers are involved in the planning and execution of all workshops to assure that the content will be congruent with both the science and music curriculum for the selected grade level.

Workshops 2-4: Finishing the instrument assembly is the first priority. Each of the five student-made instruments belongs to a different musical family (winds, strings, percussion), and a review of the types of sound produced relative to each family follows. On shoebox guitar, slide straws, tambourines, bongos and bucket basses, rehearsals commence for the final big concert.

Every classroom will be visited during the residency. Mr. Barnett will conduct a simple experiment for each class, and answer questions.

Final Day: The performance begins with a general parade of performers on to the stage. Every musical selection on the program features one student group plus a grand finale involving all. Selections include I’ve Got Rhythm, Jazz Pizzicato, 76 Trombones, and a great Tango for the tambourine players.

Art: Each individual student will assemble an instrument.

Music: Students will compose and improvise simple rhythms, perform, and further their knowledge of the relationship between music, and disciplines outside of the arts.

Science: Students will learn general properties of sound waves travel, concepts of pitch, loudness-softness, high and low tones. In addition, the project will support National Science Education Standards for developing ability to do scientific inquiry.

Costs: Based on $550 per general performance, and $400 per workshop (involving one classroom period with selected students followed by individual classroom visits for up to two hours in total) the average cost of this unique and exciting educational experience is $3800.