Music lives here - Freenotes Harmony Park

Sedona, Ariz., Mayor Rob Adams
plays the opening notes of an
inaugural concert performed on
Freenotes outdoor instruments.
(Photo provided)
Music lives here
“Music Lives Here” is an inscription
chiseled into the sandstone rock next to
a brand new grouping of Harmony Park
instruments. A bold installation by the city
of Sedona, Ariz., these outdoor instruments
are permanently placed on Main Street at
the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
to boost its public art initiative.
The city approached Sedona Chamber
of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer
Wesselhoff about the installation. She then
asked Leslie Hunt, director of the visitor
center, if they would be a good addition
there.
“Absolutely yes,” Hunt said, “I’d
been looking for something to enhance
our visitors’ experience. Having these
instruments will be part of their experience
here, being able to play them outside in
view of the gorgeous red rocks.”
Freenotes Harmony Park received
approval from the city of Sedona to
install two groupings of Harmony Park
instruments. The Contrabass Chimes,
Saturn’s Chimes and Manta Ray found
homes at the Sedona Visitor’s Center. The
Swirl, Pegasus, Imbarimba and Sunset on
the Yantzee will stand at the uptown bus
shelter.
After the installation was complete,
the chamber of commerce organized an
effort to have Richard Cooke, founder of
Freenotes Harmony Park, and a group of
local musicians give a public performance
on the instruments at the visitor’s center.
The audience was so enthralled by the
ensemble that they gave two standing
ovations and insisted the music continue
an additional 30 minutes beyond the time
allotted.
This musical swirl created by Freenotes
Harmony Park is mounted at the uptown
bus shelter in Sedona, Ariz., where it’s
accessible to anyone who wants to play it.
(Photo provided)
Sedona Mayor Rob Adams made a
special visit to play the first notes of the
concert and to show his appreciation.
“This is an amazing thing you are doing
for our community,” he told Richard. “Your
instruments are a wonderful contribution to
our efforts to become a city animated by
the arts.”
Freenotes Harmony Park is a new
generation of outdoor musical instruments
that combines sculptural beauty with
musical integrity. Soothing tones are
created through this percussion ensemble
that everyone can play. Sounds are
sophisticated and surprisingly delightful,
making them fun and engaging for the
novice or expert musician alike. Because
there are no wrong notes, Freenotes
ensures musical success and invites
participation, bringing people back again
and again.
A lineup of eleven instruments
including
xylophones,
chimes
and
marimbas allows even the most novice
player to send beautiful notes into the
world. These interactive art sculptures
are located in parks, river trails, botanical
gardens, schools, healing centers and,
most recently, Sedona’s Visitor’s Center.
Since introducing the first designs
in 1996, Freenotes have become
internationally recognized as an innovative
musical ensemble. Through music,
stronger communities are built. These
sound gardens are a way for all different
types of people to join in a harmony of
song.
To learn more visit us on Facebook or
go to http://freenotesharmonypark.com/.
Information
provided
Harmony Park. n
by
Freenotes