Music Instrument Blog


 

The instrument I chose was a xylophone. In order to produce sound you must hit the xylophone. The xylophone is a rectangular type of instrument with longer or shorter rectangles that produce higher and shorter notes. Those rectangles or hollow bars (depending on design) produce higher and lower pitched noises when you hit them.

 


When you hit the instrument the vibration through the material causes the sound waves to occur. If the bars are larger there needs to be more vibration, therefore causing a deeper sounds. So the size of the bars actually causes the pitch. For the instrument I am making I will most likely be using metal, copper, or PCP piping. I will play the instrument by hitting it with some type of bar that will actually cause sound. I will use nails and screws to make the instrument and as little tape as possible because tape muffles the sound and interferes with the sound waves. 

Lamaya's Musical Blog #1

--How is it played? What does the person have to do to produce sound?

The arm holds up the viola, and the person playing the viola is holding it steady by the chin.  You would have to move the bow across the strings to produce sound.

 

--How do you change a note?

 Each string itself has it’s own note so moving the bow across the strings. Then, depending on where you place your fingers on the string at the top, it changes the way the note sounds.

 

--How is it shaped?

It have a vase like shape.

 

--What does this make you think about how you can create and change sound?

Sound can be changed by adding pressure to a specific part.            

 

 

 

Chance At Champions - Brett Chapman (Stats EC)

Unlike many other mathematics classes that I have completed during my four years at SLA, Statistics with Ms. Thompson brings something different. A quadratic equation or second derivative isn't as apparent to a human in everyday life as statistics.  With that, Ms. Thompson has always created a requirement for real life application in our benchmark projects. My favorite statistics benchmark of the year must have been our third quarter benchmark, which required the class to apply our knowledge of probability to the real world.

            In order to accomplish this, Shanice Braxton (my partner) and I decided to find the probability of the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series. Before the MLB season started, there was a lot of talk on the Phillies being a favorable team to win the championship so we had to do the math. When dealing with probability, there are two types, theoretical and experimental. Because the Phillies were not actually playing, we had to choose theoretical probability and use past winnings and loses of the team’s franchise history. Therefore, to our surprise the Philadelphia Phillies only had approximately 1.5% of winning the World Series! Besides the mathematics, we represented our data graphically by creating a venn-diagram. Instead of creating a simple venn-diagram of two intersecting circles, we created a diagram of concentric circles (circles within circles) to show that winning the World Series is dependent of going to the World Series, while that is simultaneously dependant upon being in the playoff season to begin with. Other graphics were later added to contribute to our pamphlets design and presentation.

All in all, this project gave us incentive to inquire about probability and present those findings. It also gave us the ability to research and collaborate on applying statistical concepts to the real life situations. Although the theoretical probability of the Phillies winning the World Series is slim, anything can happen and we continue to cheer for them.

Braxton_Chapman_StatsQ3BM_ Outside Brochure
Braxton_Chapman_StatsQ3BM_ Outside Brochure
Braxton_Chapman_StatsQ3BM_Inside Brochure
Braxton_Chapman_StatsQ3BM_Inside Brochure

Favorite Stats Benchmark

My favorite Stats BM would HAVE to be the third quarter benchmark. That benchmark was all about probability and the statistics of obtaining one object over the other. I always had a problem with keeping up with the math of certain probabilities but with that benchmark, it helped me keep up with it and not get so lost. Finding a way to be creative with the task was also a super fun way to keep me interested in the project. But the project seemed easy, which in some cases it was, but the only explanation for that is because the previous work before the benchmark was assigned helped me get a much better understanding and made me feel like I breezed through it. So overall, that benchmark gave me a well deserved understanding of probability.


Inquiry: Using two boxes or bags of Skittles; what are the probabilities of grabbing certain colors of Skittles out of a bag?

Research: Find the equation for obtaining one type of Skittle after another.

Collaboration: Get a few peers to grab a certain amount of Skittles for me.

Presentation: Using a keynote to show the probabilities of getting a certain color of candy/candies. Multiple slides will show the differences between two colors or
one color on its’ own.

Reflection: Reflect on if the probabilities are plausible and if the presentation could be better.

More people are helping!

In my previous blogs I wanted to know about why people do this to the animals and the research that I just found gave me some reasons why they do this. Some act on sadistic desires, some act unintentionally, some harming pets with there carelessness. One of the main topics why is systemic the choices we make as a collective. People abuse children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to keep the children quiet about them the parent’s crudity to them. Also the children harm the animals because they want to take our there anger on another victim.

 

Ways you can help if you know this is happening or not, help the organizations retrieve the animals left behind. If you know someone who cannot take care of there pet find someone who can or call an animal association. If people have problems with animals try and help them through it, everything you do helps.

 

Pets are a big part of people lives did you know that a child in the U.S is more likely to have a pet then live stay at home father. Did you know that most American Homes have pets then children? Did you know every year 100 million animals die in experiments and tests? Did you know that 70% of the abusers also committed other crimes?  The Internet is one of the biggest sources to find out facts about this topic. This still will be happening even if we are saving some. So if more people know then they can help to. This is my last blog post there was two more about animal cruelly, what I should do is continue my research and find out more because this an strong topic and not only is it with animals but also with children and it should stop now. 


http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/cruelty_database/statistics/classifications.php 

http://animalcrueltyfacts.net/

http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/animal+abuse/default.aspx

http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/support-the-bond/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html

http://www.animalcrueltyfacts.net/statistics

Musical Instrument Blog #2


1. How is sound produced by this instrument (now that you know more about sound, please try to refer specifically to the energy transfer and vibrations)?
- The sound is produced by strumming the strings of the ukulele creating a vibration. It is echoed by having a decent sized hole on the body of the ukulele rightl beneath the strings, so the vibration that each string makes is echoed.

2. Based on your understanding, how are you changing the pitch? What physical characteristics are important in this instrument?
- I will be changing the pitch by changing the tension of each string (loosening the string or tightening the string). By doing this the strings will change pitch and be either lower or higher depending on how I change the tension. On ukuleles there is a part located at the top of the neck (big long part) that has fours tuners. Where you basically tie each string to one of the tuners and when you want to change the tension you simply turn the tuner left or right depending on how hig or low you want the pitch.

3. What materials will you actually be using for your instrument and why? How will you play your instrument? What is your plan for constructing the instrument?
- The materials I will mainly need are:
- A box of some sort that I can cut a hole in and use as the body of the ukulele
- A longer piece of wood that I can use as a neck
- Small pieces of something that I can use for the frets
- Another piece of wood to put the tuners on so I am able to change the pitch
- Four tuners
- Four ukulele strings (not four of the same, one of each chord)

I believe that is basically all I will need material wise. Since a ukulele is very small each material does not have to be big, since I want to keep it small. So I will have to look up the measurements of a ukulele so I can know how big the materials have to be. I will simply play this instrument by strumming the strings, creating the sound, while holding down my fingers on the strings on different frets creating different notes.


4. What outstanding questions do you still have?
- Why is there specific strings for a ukulele and how does it make a difference?
- How is it that the hole on the body of the ukulele creates the echo for the strings? and how big, depth wise, would I have to make the hole for the echo to work?
- How do you know how far apart to put the frets? and how does this change the notes and chord of the strings?

My Fav Benchmark

​My favorite statistics benchmark was most definitely the first quarter benchmark. This benchmark was about calculating the consumer price index of various supermarkets all over Philadelphia.    This was a group project, and my group members were Michael Kelly and Mary Altamuro.  The stores we obtained all of our information from were Thrift Way N’ Shoppin’ Bag, Acme, and Pathmark. This project helped us by letting us use univariate and bivariate data.  We were able to use mean, median, mode, Q1 and Q3 and range to calculate the difference in prices between the stores and figure out which store was the cheapest.  This project is my favorite because I was able to do much more for my group than in any other project.  I was able to go to the stores and check out the prices for the items we picked out and calculate the percentages and prove it using histograms and pie charts.  This benchmark has also laid important groundwork for me to continue on in statistics.  It taught me about all of the things I mentioned above, (Mean, median, mode, etc.). It also taught me the proper usage of histograms, stem-leaf plots, and box-whisker plots.  Finally, I was able to learn some outside world experience from this. I learned that all stores are not the same. Sometimes prices differ because of the brands of food or just because of where it is sold. I noticed that the same items that were sold at Acme and Shop rite were considerably lower than the items sold at the Fresh Grocer. We connected this to the neighborhood the Fresh Grocer was in. Stores in wealthy neighborhood tend to have higher prices.

 

 

Research: I researched information on what consumer price index is and how it’s useful and effective for the costumer.

 

Collaboration: I collaborated with Mike Kelly, and Mary Altamuro,

Presentation: My group and I presented our work and on keynote and the presentation went well.

Reflection: I worked very hard on this benchmark and I feel as though it was the most in compelling subject that we worked on. 

 

 

Nadif Music Blog #2

A musical sound is called a tone, and is produced by air vibrating a certain number of times per second. These vibrations are called waves.The number of times that a sound wave vibrates in a second is called its frequency and is measured in Hertz.  High notes have a higher frequency than lower notes and this changes their shape.

When a xylophone it hits it vibrates and displaces the air molecules. There is a very transfer of energy as the xylophone switches from potential to kinetic energy. When sound waves collide they either bounce(reflect) or bend(refract). To change the pitch of a xylophone you change the size and density of the bars(keys). 


I plan to make my xylophone out of copper or pvc pipe. Which ever produces the better sound and can be sustained. I will play my instrument like everyone else does with this type of instrument; a mallet. 

Screen shot 2011-05-26 at 10.24.48 PM
Screen shot 2011-05-26 at 10.24.48 PM
copperpipe
copperpipe

Musical Instrument Blog #1&2

​I have decided to make a water xylophone.  
water
water
Link to video example of water Xylophone

A water xylophone is played by a mallet like stick of something hand banging onto the instrument and the vibrations of the parts of the instrument is what makes the sound. With a water xylophone, the water and the glass jars are what vibrates and make the sound. The notes change depending on the different jars with different amounts of water in them. The more the water the more pitch the not has (lower pitch), but when the jar has less to very few water, the sound and pitch is much higher. 

The materials used for the xylophone is 5-7 jars filed with water measured in different milliliters of water, food coloring (optional to make it visually appealing), and a mallet/striking instrument to create the sound. The sound of the water xylophone is produced by vibrations of the water and the jar. The mallet contains all of the potential energy before in has any encounter with the jar with water in it. The energy transfers into kinetic energy when the mallet hits the jar. that energy is spread throughout the jar which makes the sound and creates sound waves.

Musical Instrument Blog #2

Sound is produced by the flute by the air molecules vibrating against the metal and going through certain holes to make specific notes. The energy that is transferred from the initial blow across the hole, is transferred when the air molecules are disturbed and they start to dissapate the further you go from them. Based on my understanding, I'm changing the pitch by blocking some holes and not allowing air through. The holes are just about the most important physical characteristic in this instrument because they alter the sound, pitch, and notes that come through the flute. I will probably have to use some pipe to make the body and possibly drill holes though them so that the sound will sound just right. I will play it just like I'd be playing a real flute. It's like riding a bike, you never forget. Once I get the materials to make my instrument, I will measure out a few things and make it easier on myself by only drilling holes that I will need to keep uncovered.

Musical Instrument Blog 2

1. The friction between the rotating glass and one’s wet finger creates a slight level of friction. This friction creates a vibration in the bowl, which then redirects the vibration’s frequency towards the user.


2. The pitch of the instrument is changed by using an instrument with a different bowl shape/size that produces a frequency equivalent to the specific note.


3. The materials necessary to construct the instrument include numerous glass bowls, a spindle mechanism, and a small container of water. Playing the instrument involves  changing my thumb from one bowl to the next. I plan to complete the instrument as soon as possible.


4. I currently have no additional questions.

Blow A Kiss Goodbye

I struggled through a death, a viewing, a funeral
Whilst being the hand that others gripped,
But didn't have your hand to hold as hot tears fell from my eyes
And sobs ripped so thoroughly through my throat that I could barely speak.
I didn't have your strong arms to protect me from violent shaking
Or your soft lips to kiss away the hammering in my head.
I was one to be had, but had no one, not even you.

Blog #2

​Guitar
Sound is produced by the vibrations of the strings. The thicker the string the stronger the pitch. The energy that's being transferred from the strings cause a vibration throughout and creates sound waves. I'm changing the pitch by changing the strings by using smaller ones thin ones an thicker ones they all have a different type of pitch whether its high or low or average. The most important physical characteristic in my instrument is the strings which creates the sounds. I will be using the strings or rubber bands to help create the sound overall and I will be using wood possible and some tuning tools to help keep the strings in place and altogether. I will play my instrument using my fingers or a pick to pluck at the strings. I plan on using my class time effectively too help design my instrument and I plan to use outside time as well to help me as well.

Musical Instrument Blog #2

So, a thumb piano is an interesting instrument and can make some beautiful music if you know how to play it. Sometimes, the tines are attached to just a piece of wood. However, it is better to use a hollow piece of wood and then a hole in that box. In order to play the instrument, you pluck a series of tines attached to the top of the box, which then vibrate. This vibration is caught in the hollow box and released through the hole. You can cover the hole and uncover it to make interesting sounds. To change the pitch, you must change the tines. Usually, the longest tine is in the middle, with the tines then getting shorter to the left and to the right. The shorter tines have a higher pitch. So, in order to change the pitch of the tines, you have to change the length of the tines. Changing the box simply changes how long the sound resonates (as with the tuning forks). To make the instrument, you need pieces of wood to construct the box, and a piece of small pipe to attach the tines. The tines, though, are a little tricky. I read around and it said that you should use a rake to get the tines. I'm still looking for an alternate way to get the tines. I'll probably use the tip of my nail instead of the fat part of my thumb to pluck the tines, to make a sharper sound. The hardest part of this project will be making the tines the right length, so I'll get the box out of the way early so I have time to work on the tines. I just need to figure out what lengths to make the tines... I may have to figure this out with experimenting though.

Asshole

There's this guy who's a family friend of ours except we don't like him that much. With that said he's not really a family friend he's just friends with our family friends, and since he's such a dick he has no friends and latches on to us. He constantly insults and puts down other people. He's also extremely pessimistic and bitches about everyone and everything. Anyways, I receive a text from this douchebag who ask what my house number is because he thinks he's right outside. I'm like what the fuck? So i got outside to find him parking his 1980's vespa outside our house. He then asks if he can get a drink. I get him a glass of water and know I'll have to make small talk with him which is really hard for me to do because we just don't relate at all. As we "chat" he bitches about everything and then insults me and tells me I should be driving (coming from a guy who drives a fucking Vespa). As some time goes by my mom comes home and I ditch her with him, to go work on my capstone.
I felt bad, but she understands. I'm seeing a movie with this dick next Tuesday. Wish me luck


Piano #2

Pianos create sound when the player presses a key which triggers a hammer to strike a string. When the hammer strikes the string, it causes a vibration in the string which causes the air molecules to hit each other, making a sound. At this point, a damper is released, causing the string to continue to vibrate. When the key is released, the damper stops the string from vibrating, stopping the sound. ​Pianos pitches and dynamics can be changed depending how the player plays it.The pitch can be changed by pressing a key that strikes either a thicker or thinner string. The volume can be changed by pressing the key either lighter or heavier. I could actually build this instrument by replacing the strings for xylophone bars, which would minimize the amount of materials I would need to build it. I would need wood for the casing, some felt, and various screws. The felt is for the hammer, which causes a softer sound when it hits the xylophone bar. The xylophone bars are what are going to vibrate to make the sound. The wood is used for the casing, the hammer, and the entire action. The screws are going to be used for the action. I will be playing the instrument by pressing the keys which will trigger the hammer to strike the xylophone bar. I will be going to VK's room everyday after school to build it. I will also try to schedule days when I can meet up with Quach (the member who had the highest score for access to materials) so I could build it. 

Extra Credit Assignment

I would have to say the first benchmark was my favorite benchmark. Our main task was to calculate the consumer price index for various stores. I worked in a group with Dyamond Logan, Camille Granby, and James Smith, which by the way was the best group of people I worked with for a math assignment. We all went to different markets and jot down the regular price and sale price of 25 items and calculate the 5-Number Summary and IQR. Once we completed that, we looked at the distribution of our store, observed the significance between regular and sale price, and compared our mean prices to other stores. 
I have gained valuable statistical data throughout this project because I learned how to calculate the 5-number summary, interquartile range, mean and standard deviation. Along with that I learned how to graph data on box plots and histograms. I honestly enjoyed doing every step of this project because I really understood what I had to complete and I was excited that I could do all the math and equations all by myself.  It was a big accomplishment.

Inquiry: I inquired what grocery store would have the lowest and the highest prices on our items.

Research: I researched information on what consumer price index is and how it’s useful and effective for the costumer.

Collaboration: I collaborated with Dyamond, Camille, James, and a few of the employees at Pathmart.

Presentation: My group and I presented our work and on keynote and the presentation went well.

Reflection: I worked very hard on this benchmark and I feel as though it was the most in compelling subject that we worked on. 

Musical Instrument Blog #2


Flute:

After further research into how it is that a flute functions and creates sound, I found that my initial opinion, the one concerning the length of the pipe and the concentration of the air molecules. I initially believed that the concentration of air molecules altered the frequency of the sound waves. This, in turn, creates a deeper or higher pitch when it comes to musical notes or other sounds. The less energy that the molecules transferring the wave have, the lower the pitch, because the frequency is lower. When I put my plans into action, I am hoping to create my flute out of either PVC pipe or copper pipe, depending upon the materials that I can gain access to. I'm planning on placing the holes used to create notes about 15.24cm from one end, then about 2.5cm apart afterward. The hope is that such a design would allow me to play it just like a regular flute. The only real remaining question that I have is whether or not I'll be able to get aid in learning how to play it.

Marshall Johnston Extra Credit Blog Post Assignment

Of the four benchmarks we've completed so far this year, my favorite would have to be the grocery store benchmark from the first quarter. I enjoy doing work that may have an affect on my life rather than solving problem after problem and submitting my answers for your approval. Of the four benchmarks, the grocery store and study guide benchmarks were the only two that had some sort of impact on my life (other than improving my math skills). Even though this benchmark involved some of the most basic statistics topics we've learned, it still did a good job of challenging me. At this point in the year, we were learning about univariate data as well as some basic ways to visualize that data we had collected (histograms, stem & leaf plots, and box & whisker plots). We took what we had learned about how to collect and visualize data, and we were able to apply it by comparing the prices of certain items at grocery stores in order to determine which stores were the cheapest.

Inquiry: Our initial question was, what are the cheapest grocery stores in the city of Philadelphia?
Research: We researched by having each group member go to their individual grocery store and gather prices for 25 different items.
Collaboration: After each group member had gathered their information, we were able to compare results with each other and together we came up with graphs showing which stores were the cheapest.
Presentation: We presented our results in front of our classmates.
Reflection: Not only did we each have to write a reflection for the benchmark, but we also now know what stores to shop at as well as which products to buy if we are focusing on saving money.