Where music and technology meet
WOOFYTWooden One-octave Organ For Young Technologists; n. a novel and challenging experience combining Music, Science & Technology
Although music can seem like a world apart from science, technology and engineering, there are lots of connections to be explored. The WOOFYT makes these connections visible and audible, linking music in a simple and direct way with the physics of fluids and the technology of pumps and valves.
Both my colleague and I, and all the boys had an absolutely fantastic time! We learned so much and had great fun doing so. Please convey my thanks, also, to all of your colleagues who looked after us and made us feel so welcome.
The workshop was masterfully delivered and wonderfully inclusive. I have two children who rarely join in and I was delighted to see they did on this occasion - as did every other child. My children learned lots and had a great time doing so.
There are pumps and valves at work everywhere: in homes, offices, factories, farms, cars, trains, ships, aeroplanes, space rockets - and inside living creatures, including ourselves. Mostly they work automatically, hidden from view and unnoticed.
Nothing about the WOOFYT is automatic. To play a simple tune, everyone has to work together to create and maintain a flow of air at the correct pressure, as well as playing the right notes at the right time. This cross-curriculum project is great fun for people of all ages - musicians and non-musicians alike.
The WOOFYT won an Arts for Business regional award in 2006 - judged to be 'the most innovative business and arts project 2002 - 2006'. It has travelled throughout the UK and beyond, most notably to St Paul's Cathedral. A WOOFYT flourishes in New Zealand.