Kentucky Public School has a wonderful resource of musical instruments made and decorated by the students, staff and parents of the school.
Marimbas: These are xylophone type instruments based on traditional African designs. There are three types of marimba in the school.. Two of these are three and a half octave marimbas made out of a combination of pine, hardwood and plywood or PVC pipe instead of plywood. There are also larger bass marimbas which also use PVC pipe. Up to four children can play each marimba with the keys large and easy to hit for even the youngest of performers. Kentucky has six marimbas and all students have access to a performance program involving their use. In keeping with the African theme, all of the marimbas have been painted in designs to represent African animals.
 A Box and a Bass Marimba | Some of our Echocellos being played by Principal Danny Spillane, ADG Trevor Fletcher and local Regional Director Jim White. |
Echocellos: These are a single stringed instruments played with a bow. A stand holds a length of piano wire which, when played, transfers sound into an attached plywood box and PVC pipe. Separate notes are played by pressing wooden pegs along the wire which shorten its length. Our echocellos are also decorated to represent African animals.
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Wacky Instruments: There are enough wacky percussion instruments stored in the school to enable every student to join a marching band. Made out of a range of materials including agricultural pipe, plastic ball floats, electrical conduit, metal piping, elastic cord, PVC pipe and plywood, these instruments combine to make a fantastic sound. Instruments include large and small "J"pipes, Triple Boings, Mini Boings, Curly Dingers, Chinese Traffic Lights and Shaker Rings.
Special thanks to Jon Madin for his inspirational work in music. Further information on the above concepts can be accessed on his website at www.marimbamusic.com.au