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Elephant Keyboard
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music instrument, 1x1x3m; 450kg
2000
Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang, Thailand. |
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Each
key of the instrument provides a distinct drone or melody derived from
traditional Thai music. Musical characteristics are controlled by the
speed that a key is pulled, and by the duration it is held.
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Performers
Jo Jo, 9 year old male
Luuk Khang, 7 year old female
Luuk Kob, 6 year old male
Phrathida, 7 year old female
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Design and electronic
construction by Don Ritter. Construction of wooden components by staff
at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center under direction of Nipakorn Singhputhankul
and Don Ritter. Access to elephants provided by Richard Lair. Video documentation
shot by Tamara Barton and Kurt Ossenfort, with editing by Don Ritter.
Photos by Neil Budzinski.
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Video documentation of Elephant Keyboard |
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lower resolution video here
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