Philip Blackburn's Sewer Organ

A storm drain near the Cannon River empties directly into the water, untreated. As part of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership 2003 Festival Philip Blackburn analyzed the frequency curves of the underground 30' pipe and created tuned sounds that were played back into the it. The sounds emerged from two gratings and reflected off nearby buildings. By standing in the sweet spot between two gratings one heard a stereo phase effect coming from the earth. Fragrant incense was placed beneath the grating and participants could clearly connect the drain to the river, possibly making them think twice before pouring pollutants directly into their town waters.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sewer
• organ
• philip
• blackburn
• storm
• drain
• cannon
• river
• northfield
• minnesota