There is a range of additional possibilities beyond the 'musical' or 'rhythmical' elements of a B3 garden.
Sound texture and sound timbre are elusive qualities of sounds to describe yet they are those by which we separate or define sounds.
Sound is described in many ways, high and low, loud and quiet are the common descriptors but what about sounds that are spiky, round, flowing, jangling... sounds that people perceive as colours or as specific resonances within their bodies, what about sounds that you can't hear but can feel or see?
The quotation from Carl Orff draws attention to the mode of facilitation impacting on the degree of learning. The difference between knowledge and understanding is key.
The melodic and other artifacts from Bing Bang Bong as well as the range of activities supplied and suggested are designed to facilitate sound play. Such curious interaction whilst delivering a creative and educational by-product will bring a wide range personal, social and community benefits. Where learning is a key client objective, our 'instruments' provide a musically useful canvas for a child's introduction to the creative and expressive use of sound, to learn by filling in their own gaps rather than being given filler - "involve me - I understand"
Paul's Dragons' Den mini-blog(c)2006 Paul Marshall
Yes it's true, I was brave (foolish) enough to put myself and bingbangbong in front of the infamous 'Dragons' in an effort to raise investment and gain partnership. I participated in series 3.
Having been a big fan of the show through series 1 and 2, I submitted an online application, went through a lengthy phone interview, a longer 'on camera' audition and various stages of detailed vetting and screening before being accepted to appear in front of the notorious Dragons. If you apply and get to face the Dragons you know that you and your business have been under the microscope.
Because bingbangbong makes melodic instruments, it is important that you give consideration to selecting a tuning standard that is appropriate for the client group that you anticipate will use them.
Listen to the two octave dragon scale played on a small and medium combined set
There are only 5 notes in the Dragon scale. Each note will harmonise with every other note and there are no 'unpleasant' combinations. No musical skill whatsoever is required to interact musically.
This Pentatonic tuning is recommended for Early Years, KS1, general and unstructured play. A pentatonic instrument can accommodate as many players as can physically access the striking areas of the instrument. The melodic capabilities of the instrument are limited by the absence of two notes. In C Major the pentatonic scale is C D E G A and we add the resolution note C as standard.
Diatonic
A Diatonic scale is the Pentatonic scale including those omitted two notes. 'F' & 'B' in our Cmaj exmple. It is now a 7 note scale e.g. C D E F G A B. This represents the white notes on the piano keyboard. As standard we add in the Resolution note C to 'bring you back to Do'
Using this scale a significantly greater range of melodies is available however dissonant or unpleasant note combinations become possible.
This tuning is primarily intended for a teaching or performing instrument or for play by children with some musical ability.
Chromatic
The chromatic scale is the diatonic plus the addition of the 5 sharps [#] and flats [b]: C# Eb F# G# Bb which are equivalent to the black notes on the Piano keyboard. These black notes also comprise a pentatonic scale
This gives a 12 tone scale and is the standard scale for western music. As standard we add in the Resolution note C to 'bring you back to Do'
Diatonic to Chromatic Converter
Quite simply, the Sharps and flats (or equivalent for your scale) to convert a diatonic scale into a chromatic scale.
As you might expect, permanently installed instruments and pieces can be vulnerable to abuse such as attack and theft unless the site is protected.
Most bingbangbong items can be upgraded to provide increased levels of protection against theft and vandalism. Some, such as the PVC Batonkas which are recommended for non-vulnerable areas, can be recreated from more robust materials. They are beautiful also, but expensive.
(c)1999-2012 bingbangbong - All Rights Reserved. Bingbangbong Limited - UK Company NI602585 - VAT Reg 940177040 Registered Office - 8 Lord Wardens Parade :: Bangor :: Co Down :: BT19 1YU :: N Ireland E&OE