FREE MUSIC workshops for children, teenagers and adults will take place in the Galway Arts Centre, Dominick Street, on Culture Night, which takes place this Friday, and culminating in a free concert in the venue's galleries.
The day's events start at 5pm with Headford jazz musician Matthew Berrill, who will work with children aged eight and under to create sound and music with simple string and percussion instruments using wood, plastic and string. The group will then create a composition based on a simple narrative, and perform it in the GAC at 6pm. Children must have an adult/guardian to supervise at all times.
At 6pm, Rory Grubb will work with children aged between eight and 12 and their guardians, to build their own rudimentary instruments and explore sound using everyday objects and recycled materials. Each participant will come away having made several instruments and have had some fun playing them together with others. All materials will be provided.
Also at 6pm is NameSynth, an electronic instrument making workshop for those in the 13 years to adults age group, led by sound artist Ed Devane. NameSynth is a simple electronic oscillator circuit based on a 555 timer chip. Its keys are self-adhesive copper letters spelling the participant's name or chosen word. A metal stylus is used to make contact with the keys and produce pitches through a small speaker. Participants will learn the art of soldering, basic electronics, craft, assembly skills, the processes of sound, digital manufacturing, and design.
Free concert @ GAC
At 8pm the public is invited to a free performance and wine reception in the gallery. Ed Devane will perform a 20-minute long improvisation on electronics and Wither Zither, a six stringed zither played with a file that produces rich tonal drones and an array of other sounds. Afterwards, Rory Grubb will play the electric ceramophone, a unique earthenware percussion instrument, conceived and built by the musician himself. Using the resonance of its tuned ceramic pots, he will take the listener on a short, yet intense journey through the sound of earth, metal, and electricity.
For more information see www.galwayartscentre.ie and www.galwayculturenight.com