From Trash to Tunes

Geared primarily towards younger viewers, this instructional program features Connecticut craftsman and ethnomusicologist Dennis Waring, who discusses several musical instruments and explains how to make them. In the first part, Waring speaks more to a classroom of kids than to the camera, with onscreen graphics illustrating his points. Waring talks about string, wind, and percussion instruments, detailing relevant history, parts and concepts (vibrations, resonance, frets, etc.), while also demonstrating sounds and incorporating science and music theory. At the close, Waring invites a few youngsters to join him for a jug band–style song. Although materials include readily available items like cardboard and blocks of wood, an untrained individual would find it difficult to duplicate Waring's efforts with the same degree of success, not counting the spoons and washboards. In addition, the employment of hammers, nails, and staple guns necessitate adult supervision, which Waring addresses in the second half, speaking from a workroom setting, where he provides more detailed instructions for projects that include a two-string banjo, a pipe recorder, and a xylophone. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)