MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

Currently in Goodyear AZ (Low 56 Breezy Slight Chance of Rain High 72)

We are enjoying the cooler temperatures, high of only 72 today, at least for awhile. We have been sitting outside in the shade reading books from the library for the last few days.

Who knew that there was a museum dedicated to all kinds of musical instruments? Who knew that it was located in Phoenix? Finally, who knew it was an incredible museum? Well we knew that it was in Phoenix and we found out that it was great during a recent visit. There are so many musical instruments from around the world that it is hard to believe. Here are some examples:

At checkin you get wireless headphones that pick up the signal from the area that you are in sync'd with the video that you can watch at the displays. Make sure that you do this, this is really neat. The museum is subdivided a few ways. The main divisions are by place of origin. There are other areas dedicated to artists.

A couple of things stood out for us. First was the very first Steinway piano ever made on display. Who knew that a piano made in Steinway's kitchen would be the start of that great company.

But the most amazing was what they called trash instruments, instruments made from the trash from a massive landfill in Cateura, Paraguay. Visionary music teacher Favio Chavez gathered a small team to plunder the landfill for usable materials and create an ensemble of "recycled" instrument. For example a cello was made from oilcans, scraps of wood, an old spatula and pieces of a meat grinders. Watching the video how they made the instruments and then hearing them play just sent shivers up and down our spines.

This is an incredible museum and should be on everybody's list. Visit the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo