Arts grant brings Travelling Instruments project to life

The council’s Arts Officer, Sally Hardy, said the Travelling Instruments project’s goal is to make music accessible to all, regardless of ability, while promoting a deeper connection to the arts.

Andy Rasheed added that the melodic percussion instruments are designed with accessibility in mind. Each of the instruments will be tuned to each other ensuring they produce harmonious music regardless of the players’ skill level.

“I’m building instruments for a septet covering a tonal range from deep to high,” Andy said.

“There will be a couple of bass marimbula with up to five drum faces built into the sides of the body, two, multi drum cajons, a set of triple bongos and two adaptive instruments designed specifically for people with disability. The adaptive instruments will be percussion stations, ergonomically designed to ensure they can be comfortably played by young people in wheelchairs.”

Developed over several months with input from the Mount Barker Community Library, Mount Barker Community Centre, and local arts organisations, the initiative aims to create inclusive artistic experiences across the district.

“These travelling instruments will be an invaluable resource,” Sally said. “They’ll be used in creative workshops at the library, township outreach programs, and as interactive installations at events. They’ll also feature in professional performances at arts festivals and be available to local organisations for their own events.”

In addition to the instrument creation, the grant will fund a professional development workshop for musicians and teaching artists, as well as community workshops to showcase the instruments and inspire local participation.

For more information about the instruments and their design, visit Andy Rasheed’s website at Small Drum Revolution: www.smalldrumrevolution.com.au.