Pagophone

Build an Ice Xylophone!

Make and play a musical instrument from an unexpected material

Find the icicles that make the sounds and tones you like

Bring friends to jam together

Experiment with sounds as the ice changes shape

Make a visual "recording" on the ice with each mallet stroke

Materials:

• precipitation

• sub freezing temperatures

• poorly insulated roof for icicles to form on

• dimensional lumber

• table or saw horses

• mallets- rubber, wood, plastic

• felt

Tools:

• winter gloves

• hand saw

• cart

Optional Tool:

• audio recorder

Set up tables or saw horses

Optional: Wrap the lumber in felt

Set two pieces of lumber parallel to each

Place the icicles onto the lumber

Gather friends

Optional: start audio recorder

Play your instrument

Observe the marks of the songs played on the icicles

These are a visual archive of their history

Notice the effect of warmer temperatures on the sounds produced by your instrument

As Spring approaches, say so long!