Death of a Piano
What happens when a piano reaches the end of its life?
At Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, an abandoned piano is being dismantled, reimagined and given new life through Arts Upper Hunter’s Visuaural: Death Cycle of a Found Piano.
Over the coming weeks, the project continues with a series of free hands-on workshops, music-making and creative activities for the community. From a musical wake for the STRAD Pianola to percussion made from its parts and school holiday workshops for young creators, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Explore the upcoming program below and secure your spot.
Celebration of Life for STRAD
Friday, 25 September
5pm – 7pmÂ
Join us for an evening of music, memories and farewell to STRAD, a much-loved piano with a story to tell.
Led by STRAD’s sparkling former owner, the evening will bring together live music, reminiscing and an Open Piano for anyone who wants to play. Enjoy a drink and refreshments from Two Rivers Wines and the Gallery Cafe as we celebrate the life of this remarkable instrument.
Part jam, part wake, part concert, this is a musical celebration of STRAD before its next chapter.
Percussion Workshop with Joshua Vada
Tuesday, 29 September
10.30am – 1.30pmÂ
Piano played differently! Participants will engage in a variety of beat making activities led by Hunter Regional Conservatorium’s Joshua Vada. Rather than traditional percussion instruments Joshua will make use of our semi-deconstructed piano. The recorded rhythmic patterns will be layered to create a percussion ensemble piece. Family friendly. Everyone is welcome.Â
Teddy Bears Picnic Printmaking Workshop
Tuesday, 6 October
10.30am – 12pm
Bring your creativity along for a Teddy Bears’ Picnic-inspired art-making adventure! Children and their caregivers will explore a variety of fun printing techniques to decorate a pianola roll, working together to create a colourful collaborative artwork. Once complete, the finished pianola roll will be displayed in the gallery for visitors to enjoy. A hands-on activity that combines music, making and imagination!
Suited to Preschool & Primary-aged children
Picnic will be provided
The Destruction of Smaug and the Battle of the Five Armies
Friday, 9 October
10am – 2pm
Ready to build, battle and unleash your inner inventor? In partnership with Muswellbrook STEM Innovation Lab, this hands-on school holiday workshop combines STEM, art and a little bit of fantasy. Working in small teams, participants will construct their own catapult, build a castle or village from repurposed piano parts, and face off against opposing teams in an epic battle to defeat the Hobbit’s dragon, Smaug. Expect creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and plenty of fun along the way!
Suitable for ages 10-14 years.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.Â
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and join in!
The Visuaural program is made possible by Arts Upper Hunter in partnership with Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre and the Hunter Regional Conservatorium, with the assistance of the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
