Partch's instruments

David Beardsley's "tuning" on 8/30 told that Partch's instruments now have
a home at Montclair State University and the ensemble-in-residence are
almost the only ones who can perform on those instruments live. Will
Partch's instruments go silent when these musicians grow too old to play
them? Are other musicians being taught to play them in future concert
performances?

> From: "Ed & Alita Morrison" <essaim@texas.net>
>
> David Beardsley's "tuning" on 8/30 told that Partch's
> instruments now have
> a home at Montclair State University and the ensemble-in-residence are
> almost the only ones who can perform on those instruments live. Will
> Partch's instruments go silent when these musicians grow too
> old to play
> them?

Drummond's comment rubbed me the wrong way too, but let me tell you a
story...

About 3 years ago I contacted Dean Drummond about seeing the Partch
instruments. I forget why, but I ended up getting 7 people together for a
class in Partch harmony with Mr. Drummond. We all piled into a minivan and
made the 4 hour trip from Boston to Purchase, NY where the instruments were
then housed for a long Saturday afternoon with the instruments. He gave
about a very informative hour lecture, then demonstrated each instrument.
After he explained that the instruments were no longer to be "raped" as
Partch had suggested, but must be played lightly and carefully, using the
proper mallets, we were all allowed to go around the room carefully trying
out whatever we liked! I think we paid $50 each for the afternoon and it
was well worth it!

He was very open to scheduling time to measure instruments for the purpose
of making copies, and Newband had already commissioned a plastic Boo.
Unfortunately, no recording equipment of any kind was allowed. Specifically
to avoid sampling of the instruments. This is a shame as it limits the
performances of Partch's works. On the other hand, he is very willing to
allow measurement of Partch's instruments so that you can make copies of
them for any purpose!

Over all, I thought he had an excellent attitude for a curator. Very
careful with the instruments, yet willing to share them with those obviously
interested. Since no major institution with deep pockets has yet provided
proper housing and funding for this national treasure. (Even the latest
mentioned having the instruments in 3 separate rooms!) This task has
required enormous babysitting on Mr. Drummond's part, including multiple
moves, etc. If he needs to limit sampling of the instruments so that he
keeps a corner on the market of Partch performances, and that keeps a roof
over his head, so be it.

If you are unhappy with the job he is doing, try to find a better place for
the instruments. I did a bit of calling and asking around in an attempt to
help Mr. Drummond and got very discouraged. Better him than me!

---
Glen Peterson
30 Elm Street North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 975-1527
http://www.OrganicDesign.org/Glen/Instruments