Glass Harp Music
During a Glass Harp assembly program, Brien plays music of different styles and periods on his instrument of stemware, and gives detailed demonstrations of the physics of sound to support units taught in the classroom. The program includes additional musical instruments made from everyday materials, such as water bowls, musical bottles, and musical saw.
Water-tuning is demonstrated with rice bowls. Vibration is demonstrated using a goblet and a ping-pong ball, and with the help of the audience, a string and supersized recreation of a violin bow hair shows how friction works, to make music.
The program offers more participatory segments, including an audience member and Brien demonstrating how to play a glass, culminating in a short duet!
Another part of the program introduces Ben Franklin’s favorite invention, the Glass Armonica. Questions and song requests are welcome at the close of this engaging performance.
Key concepts: SOUND PHYSICS, VIBRATION, FREQUENCY, PITCH, FRICTION, IMPROVISED MUSIC, GLASSMAKING, CLASSICAL/POPULAR MUSIC, FREE EXPERIMENTATION, INDUSTRIAL AGE, HISTORY, SOCIAL STUDIES, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, INVENTION, BEN FRANKLIN, MOZART