A couple of months ago, we wrote a blog about an unusual but very interesting musical ensemble that plays instruments made from vegetables. And before that, we told you about an orchestra where all the instruments are made out of garbage.
These two remarkable groups inspired us to explore this topic further, especially to find other unusual orchestras or musical experiences. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but to our ears’ delight, we discovered some ingenious ways to play – and listen to – music.
One unusual musical experience that is definitely making waves – literally and figuratively – is a South African underwater orchestra. This classical ensemble performs – beautifully! – submerged in the ocean. We don’t know how they manage to do this, and we find this extraordinary performance absolutely amazing. But unless you are a skilled swimmer and diver, and your instruments are waterproof, please don’t attempt to duplicate this feat! Playing music in an aquatic environment is not something you see every day, but there is more. For instance, look and listen to musicians from Australia’s Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing with empty beer bottles . To see their extraordinary skill and dexterity is a… sobering experience!
Musicians who perform on land may not be as funky as their underwater counterparts – though they are certainly drier. And they can still distinguish themselves from the conventional musical ensembles by doing something new and different. By its definition, a traditional orchestra consists of a variety of instruments, usually from the brass, percussion, string, and woodwind family. However, that isn’t always the case. One notable exception is the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has gone global with performances combining uke music with a comedy routine and vocals . It just shows you what wonderful sounds you can make when you think out of the box!
In case you are wondering, we’ll tell you right away: yes, our music teachers are fun and creative, but no, they will not plunge into your bathtub or fish tank. So when they come to give a music lesson in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office, they expect to keep their head above water! That said, if you or your child would like to learn to play the ukulele, we have some truly awesome teachers for you. The uke is one of a number of musical instruments we teach – in addition to the guitar and many others.
