Avicenna's Floating Maori

From September to October, 2009, I helped install a Whales exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This exhibit came from New Zealand & 4 New Zealanders came w/ it to supervise the install. One of the most interesting aspects of this job for me was that the exhibit techs underwent a ceremony in wch we were instructed in the protocols for proper treatment of the whale skeletons & such-like as sacred objects - as conceived by Maori culture. Shane James blew a Putatara (conch-shell trumpet) & recited a text in "te reo" (the language spoken by the Maori) & explained things to the techs before we were allowed to handle the objects. This lead to the 64th HiTEC session wch was preceded by Shane explaining the Maori instruments that he's made. Then we realized a HiTEC System entitled "Avicenna's Floating Systems Manager". Making this session even more exciting was that I got to work w/ some particularly fine Pittsburgh musicians that I'd never had a chance to play w/ before. The internationality of the instruments was exceptional. - October 22, 2009 notes from tENTATIVELY, a cONVENIENCE

Category:

Music

Tags:

• te reo
• Maori
• Taonga Puoro
• HiTEC
• Avicenna
• Systems Management
• tENTATIVELY a cONVENIENCE
• Gina Ketter
• Roger Dannenberg
• Mimi Jong
• Hugh Watkins
• Shane James
• Buddy Nutt
• Liz Hammond
• Ukulizzy

[purvis1961]

I love the sounds, the voices, the vibes. Can't wait to hear more. Perhaps at one of Hugh's parties.

[vmanuelbeltran]

Great job, I love the demonstration, really a exotic instruments.

Shane James really represent the Maori culture.

[DBAssembly]

Very cool/educational.