Upsound Instruments – Make & Play Workshop Area
All Ages
29 September - 3 October
Tuesday
29th September
Wednesday
30th September
Thursday
1st October
Friday
2nd October
Saturday
3rd October
Multipurpose Room, Subiaco Arts Centre
Jacob de Plooij
Free event
Turn waste into wonder! Bang, blow, saw, hammer, pluck, and pull your way to building a unique, playable instrument. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a one-of-a-kind musical instrument from upcycled materials and take home a playable masterpiece.
Led by Dutch-Australian sound artist and violinist Jacob Plooij, this lively session invites all ages to explore rhythm, resonance and creativity.
From plastic bottles and straws to broken instruments, everyday objects become the building blocks for new sonic creations. Whether you build a guitar, drum, kazoo, or dream up something entirely new, every participant walks away with their own self-made instrument.
Accessibility Guide
Lighting and Sound
Total blackout (audience)
Lighting level
Ambience lighting
Flashing lights
Loud sounds
Participants will use tools like hammers and make sounds with homemade instruments, such as banging tin cans (drums), trumpet noises, honking, and balloon sounds.
Repetitive noises
Drums
From the self-made drums.
High-pitched tones
From the artist's drill to making and assembling instruments, flute sounds, and squeaky sounds.
Unexpected sounds
Expect ongoing sounds as participants try various musical instruments during the workshop.
Background Music
Interactivity and Participation
Children invited on stage
N/A
Artist goes into audience
The artist will move around the workshop to help participants.
Manual activity (e.g. read, draw, sing, paint, construct things)
Participants will stand and move freely while building their own musical instruments. Instructions are available but optional. Some may use tape, screws, or decorate, while others explore materials and sounds.
Undertake direct movement
Participation in groups/pairs
Participants can play instruments together if they wish, but it's not required.
Parent/carer can support in participation
Children lead the workshop, with parents or carers providing support.
Capacity for a child slower in their movements to participate
Everyone moves at their own pace.
Senses, Emotions and Effects
Distinctive smells
Special effects
Textures
Participants create sounds by rubbing wood or metal and blowing into straws or tubes.
Balloons
Balloons are available. We can arrange a balloon-free time or space, but cannot guarantee that balloons from earlier sessions won't be present.
Characters express anger
Dialogue driven
Props
Attention Span
Intermission/break
Introduction
Children need to sit in one place
Appropriate to make noise/move around
