Tia Hernlen stands out in the military music world by turning ordinary everyday items into sophisticated percussion instruments. While conventional military bands rely on standard snare drums, timpani, and brass horns, Hernlen explores the boundaries of rhythm using PVC pipes, glass bottles, and discarded metal. This approach redefines what it means to be a percussionist within the United States military music program.
Understanding Hernlen's work requires looking past traditional symphonic definitions. Military musicians undergo rigorous training at institutions like the US Army School of Music, mastering classic marches and ceremonial repertoire. Yet, creative percussionists often look beyond standard gear to experiment with timbre, acoustics, and sonic texture. Let's examine how unconventional percussion functions within military and contemporary performance settings.
The Evolution of Unconventional Percussion
Found-object percussion isn't entirely new, but applying it within a structured military context demands technical precision. Percussionists like Hernlen draw inspiration from avant-garde traditions where any resonant surface becomes an instrument.
- PVC Pipes: Cut to specific lengths, these pipes produce distinct pitched notes when struck with mallets, acting like marimbas or xylophones.
- Glass Bottles: Filled with varying levels of water, tuned glass containers offer melodic capability through precise mallet strikes.
- Scrap Metal: Brake drums, old frying pans, and metal rods create metallic timbres that cut through traditional acoustic arrangements.
These materials require specialized striking techniques. Standard drumsticks can shatter glass or dent thin plastics, forcing performers to use soft yarn mallets, felt beaters, or bare hands to coax clean tones from unconventional surfaces.
Crafting Sound Under Constraints
Creating music from discarded items highlights the role of resourcefulness in artistic expression. When performers face limitations in access to traditional gear, innovation takes over. This mindset mirrors historical field adaptations where soldiers built makeshift instruments during deployments when standard equipment wasn't available.
Hernlen's approach emphasizes acoustic awareness. Every object has a fundamental frequency and specific decay rates. Finding harmony among disparate items—such as pairing the dry thud of a plastic bucket with the ringing overtone of a metal canister—requires deep ear training and precise tuning adjustments.
Practical Steps to Build a Found-Object Percussion Kit
If you want to experiment with unconventional percussion at home or in an educational setting, assembling a basic rig is straightforward. Follow these steps to build your own setup:
- Source resonant objects: Collect clean glass bottles, sturdy plastic buckets, PVC offcuts from a hardware store, and old cookware.
- Test pitch and timbre: Strike each object gently with a soft mallet to evaluate its natural tone and resonance.
- Tune water-filled items: Add or remove water from glass containers until they match specific notes in a major or minor scale.
- Mount securely: Use foam pads or clamps to mount your objects securely on a standard stand so they don't shift during performance.
- Experiment with mallets: Test yarn, rubber, and wood mallets to discover which beater brings out the best dynamic response from each item.
Common Mistakes in Unconventional Percussion
Beginning creators often run into acoustic and structural issues when building makeshift kits. Avoiding these pitfalls ensures better musical results:
- Ignoring damping: Unwanted ringing from metal or glass can muddy a rhythm. Use gaffer tape or rubber bands to control sustain.
- Using heavy mallets on fragile items: Striking thin glass too hard destroys the instrument immediately. Always start with lighter dynamics.
- Poor ergonomic setup: Placing objects too far apart leads to awkward movement and inconsistent timing during fast passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music does Tia Hernlen play?
Hernlen focuses on percussion compositions that blend rhythmic military precision with avant-garde timbre exploration, utilizing both standard setups and recycled everyday objects.
Are found-object instruments used in official military performances?
While standard ceremonies require traditional brass and percussion, specialized outreach programs, educational workshops, and modern ensemble showcases frequently feature experimental instrumentation.
How do musicians tune items like PVC pipes?
PVC pipe pitch is determined entirely by length. Cutting a pipe shorter raises the pitch, while a longer pipe produces a lower fundamental frequency.
What is the advantage of practicing on unconventional instruments?
It sharpens a musician's listening skills, deepens their understanding of acoustic physics, and proves that creativity matters more than expensive gear.
