THE XYLOPHONE: ITS INSTRUMENTAL TECHNOLOGY IN ANAMBRA STATE
Ogechukwu Jacinta Onyedum · 2021
The construction of musical instruments among the Igbo is done purposely to cater for their musical expression and commercial reason. The xylophone is an instrument of the idiophone family. It is an instrument of definite pitch. Besides, some are of indefinite pitch. They are many types of xylophone from 2-15 or more slabs with different resonators. The xylophone musical instrument is structurally constructed as a set tuned wooden slabs placed on a wooden box which serves as a resonator (amplifier). The slabs are of varying lengths in accordance with the required keys. This study, therefore, investigated the process of constructing a xylophone instrument and how modernization has impacted its technology among the Igbo in Nigeria. The paper adopted an ethnographic research design in which Indepth Interviews with the technologist (key-informant) from Ndikelionwu in Orumba North was conducted. The findings from the fieldwork revealed that the physical structure of the xylophone show that there is a gradual shift from indigenous practices to the modern method. This paper recommended adequate promotion and enabling environment for traditional musical technologists in Nigeria.