What are you at? This is it: Rob Power's homemade percussion
Rob Power makes instruments — and music — using everyday objects such as car keys and flip-flops
In 1990, when Rob Power was a young percussion student, an encounter at the St. John's International Sound Symposium struck him like a wooden spoon on a garbage can lid.
"There was a Brazilian group called Uakti who were brought in to do a bunch of concerts," recalled Power.
"And they just blew my mind with their music, but also their instruments, because they were all homemade instruments."
Power has been creating his own instruments ever since, using ordinary materials such as PVC piping, glass window panes and car keys.
Power says he often incorporates his homemade creations into his performances, along with conventional percussion instruments.
He said visitors to his studio love to examine his handiwork.
"It creates a lot of joy. Everybody wants to go up and play them."
Do you have an interesting weekend project or hobby? Tell us what YOU are at. Email wam@cbc.ca or tweet @CBCWam.
You can hear What are you at? This is it Saturdays on Weekend AM from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Labrador) on CBC Radio One.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
