Since we came up with the project idea i’ve been making a mental catalog of the orchestral instruments and musicians I have access to at the moment.  Here is what I’ve tallied:

1. trombone (with various mutes)
2. violin (with a broken pickup)
3. my mother’s high school clarinet
4. a violinist cousin
5. a cellist cousin

I decided to use only the most traditional instruments in my collection.  I could probably rationalize the use of slide whistle, harmonica, toy piano, hand bells, and even guitar.  I use all of those sounds too much already though, and part of the fun of this project will be the challenge of the limitations imposed.  I’m collecting sounds as if I were going to use them, and I’m feeling a bit strict about sticking to the limitations.  Take that, Bryan!

I have also decided that this is a wonderful chance to call on family favors and see what other high school instruments can be dug out of closets.  My uncle is a music repairman a few hours from here as well, and I hope to pay him a visit.