2003-08-28
12:03 a.m.

Air Instrumentation, Part 2

One wonders where Clay Aiken learned and perfected the fine art of air instrumentation. It is a great feat to play one air instrument proficiently, but our Downy Ball has accomplished the rare mission of mastering two vapor instruments.

I have uncovered, through my investigative reporting skills, two clues that help to clear up the aforementioned befuddlement.

After consulting the course catalog from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I have concluded that Clayton Aiken satisfied one of his required electives with a course offered by the music department. I have taken the liberty of duplicating a portion of the course catalog and highlighting the class I believe Clay completed and most likely aced.

MUSC 1221. Classroom Instruments. (1) Playing and teaching techniques and materials for rhythm instruments, autoharp, guitar, and mallet (Orff) instruments. (Spring)

MUSC 1222. Air Instrumentation. (1) Students will learn the correct method for using the human body to replicate musical technique. Particular attention will be paid to string and percussion instruments. Final performance a requirement. (Spring)

MUSC 1223. Woodwind Techniques, Methods, and Materials I. (1) Playing and teaching techniques and materials for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. (Fall)

MUSC 1224. Woodwind Techniques, Methods and Materials II. (1) Continuation of MUSC 1223. (Spring)

MUSC 1225. Brass Techniques, Methods and Materials I. (1) Playing and teaching techniques and materials for trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. (Fall)

MUSC 1226. Brass Techniques, Methods, and Materials II. (1) Continuation of MUSC 1225. (Spring)

MUSC 1227. String Techniques, Methods and Materials I. (1) Playing and teaching techniques and materials for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Two contact hours. (Fall)

MUSC 1228. String Techniques, Methods and Materials II. (1) Continuation of MUSC 1227. (Spring)

MUSC 1229. Percussion Techniques, Methods and Materials. (1) Playing and teaching techniques and materials for snare drum, timpani, mallet percussion, and accessory instruments. (Fall, Spring)

The following quote taken from an interview in �Billboard� sheds further light on the history of Clay�s development as an air musician.

�I thought about going to school for music and I said, no, I'm not sure that I want to be a musician. I'm so not big on instability and I did not want to knock on doors for the rest of my life and hope somebody would hear me.�

Apparently, Clay knew his prodigious talent for air guitar and air drums would go unappreciated and unrecognized by the music industry. Clever and shrewd, he pursued an opportunity with American Idol, keeping in mind his ultimate goal...to become the King of Air Instrumentation on the heels of his success as a recording artist.

I do believe we will be seeing him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame one day. And not for his vocal talent.

As predicted, Clay�s proficiency at air guitar and drums and diligent practice in college have allowed him to branch out into other instruments.

Katynka discovered recent appearances of

In addition to perfecting the art of air instrumentation for orchestral woodwinds, brass and percussion, Clay Aiken is now achieving his dream of conducting the New York Philharmonic Air Orchestra.

Move over, Leonard Bernstein. Clay Aiken in the Lincoln Center hizzouse.

-Marie

By Kat, Graphics Mistress,
and Marie, Sucker for an Air Drummer,

with technical and graphics support from
Kelly, Gif Genius,
Melissa, Air Guitar Groupie,

and inspirational Air Drums demonstrations by Tony.

*If you would like to conduct your own scientific investigations, you can download air instrumentation videos on MnM's wonderful Web page.