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Xylophones
3 facts:
1) Xylophone is a percussion instrument.
2) Xylophones are usually confused with Glockenspeils.
3) Xylophones was commonly used in Pop songs, such as 'Gone Daddy Gone' by the Femmes.
History of xylophones
Xylophones were invented in 2000 BC and were first played by people hitting suspended wooden bars. This was documented in a temple with cave drawings. Xylophones were used in Asia in the 9th century and later in africa. They reached Europe in the 16th century. In the 16th century xylophones were quite popular. They were made popular by the tours of Michael Josef Gusikov( An expert, skilled musician)
EXTRA!! How it is played and how it is made today:
The xylophone is played when a player strikes the bars with a mallet(The mallets are usually made of either foam, plastic, wood or balled up yarn).This produces a pitch. The bigger the bar is the lower sound it makes. If you strike the smaller bars, a higher pitch will sound.
Xylophones are made with either rosswood or more commonly kelon(a durable fiberglass)The bars are cut out of the chosen material and then A cord is strung through holes in both ends of each bar to hold them in place and to allow them to vibrate freely. Resonator tubes are placed beneath each bar to amplify sound. Concert xylophones typically have 42-48 bars that are arranged like a piano keyboard.
Q&A With India and Emily
Q: Have you ever used a xylophone, India?
A: Yes, in a school play. It was required for sound effects.
Q:Do you enjoy playing xylophones? Why or Why Not?
A: I think that they are fun but i don't study the xylophone. I would like to try it more often, and maybe i would come to like it.
Q:Emily, have you ever played the xylophone and did you enjoy it? Why or Why Not?
A: Yes i have played the xylophone. I am a strong participant in the debate between Xylophones and Glockenspeils. I do enjoy it, but i enjoy the glockenspeil better.
Q: Do you find this an interesting instrument? Why?
A: Yes. I do find this interesting. I am not a percussionist, but i do like playing the snare drum as well. I find this interesting because percussion(Glocks and Xy's are in this family) is not like wooswinds or piano.
Glock:
Glockenspeils or Xylophones? Are they not the same? Which is better? How are they different?
Similarity:
Xylophones and Glockenspiels are both percussion instruments. The keyboards of both instruments are designed the same.
Differences:
Well, to start off Glocks are made of metal and Xy's are made of wood(or fiberglass). Also,Xy's have a larger range by an octave or more, therefore they are bigger in size. Xy's have resonater tubes and amplification of Glocks is purely the metal bars.
Better or Worse:
Which instrument is better is mainly a matter of personal preference. If you are in an orchestra or band, you will usually use Xy's. Glocks are very useful in school music classes, because they are smaller, cheaper and easier to use for projects.
http://www.makingmusicfun.net/htm/f_mmf_music_library/hey-kids-its-a-xylophone.htm
