Fontys ICT students and colleagues make drone music together

Drone music, not flying drones

Music has a special impact on us on a kind of primal level and has played a central role in human interaction and connection since prehistoric times. Drone sounds are incredibly important in this and still play a major role in our daily lives, writes Harry Sword in his book 'Monolithic Undertow' (Orion Publishing Co., 2021): "Think of a power cut and how it brings into focus the eerie quiet that befalls a house when the various mechanical drones that our brains are so adept at tuning out - the low hum of central heating, the buzz of the refrigerator, the churn of the dryer - actually stop. The removal without forewarning of the small domestic symphony we seldom otherwise notice has a disquieting effect."

But drone is more than the sound of our world. We define drone music as a minimalist style of music that holds notes, tones or clusters of tones for long periods of time; we then call it drones (the link to the hum of flying drones). As music, drone was used by our ancestors in ritualistic settings. Today, it still thrills us communally at dance parties or rock concerts (the band Sunn O))) is a good example of what that sounds like). And the best part is; making drone music is not that difficult at all.

Workshop: Good Vibrations

During the workshop, participants will work together on drone music. No prior knowledge is necessary explains Angela de Weijer, who works as a consultant on inclusion and diversity+ at Fontys ICT and as a composer/artist under the name Miss Milivolt: "All you need is a homemade or brought-in instrument. Even your electric toothbrush will work. We will work together to create a field of sounds on the spot. Anyone can participate in this, it is very low-threshold. The main aim is to experience what this feels like and what it does to us as a group."

Of course, modern technology may be used during the workshop, such as digital instruments or devices. But the aim of the workshop is precisely to take a break from the everyday, says Woody Veneman, lecturer-researcher at Fontys ICT and composer and artist under his own name: "By making a composition together with drones, we try to achieve a moment of meditation and contemplation. Clearing your head for a moment and being in the now, together. In previous workshops, this succeeded, which is why we do it more often!"

Gedurfd Pionieren

The Drone Workshop is supported by Fontys ICT's Identity ambition team. Within this theme, colleagues are given the space to set up an initiative based on one or more values of the FHICT Compass. 'Bold Pioneering' stands for colouring outside the lines and fixed frameworks, and that is where this quirky workshop fits in perfectly. A workshop that focuses on experimentation, exploring together and stepping outside your comfort zone.

When: 10 February 2023 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Videolab, R10
Want to join the Good Vibrations Drone Workshop? Then email Woody Veneman!
Don't forget to put a (homemade) device or instrument in your bag.