Is your coronavirus bubble the next breakout band?
A family playing saxophones in their spa pool, friends jamming out dressed in pirate costumes and a duo performing on miniature instruments are some of the top entries in a nationwide competition to find the best ‘‘bubble band’’.
With live performances off the cards, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is hosting the online talent quest, encouraging families, flatmates, friends and singles to use whatever they have around the house to make music.
Dubbed the Bubble Band project, the aim is to get people filming themselves creating sounds together.
Making a beat using pots, pans, spoons and bottles was all part of the fun, but typical instruments were also allowed, CSO chief executive Gretchen La Roche said. One entry was made by beating sticks in unison on a fallen log.
At the end of each week, the public votes for their favourite entry on Facebook, with awards also dished out for the craziest costume and best facial expressions, among others.
La Roche said the online workshops and masterclasses taught by orchestra members about the project had been ‘‘unbelievably’’ popular, with more than 90 people from around the world attending sessions in two days.
‘‘It helps give people a start in the guided sessions and something to go off. We’ve had teachers looking for ideas for things to do with their students, people living overseas, lots of people in Christchurch all attending.’’
She said the musicians were passionate about not viewing the level three and four lockdown regulations as a time for the orchestra to go ‘‘on hold’’, rather looking for ways to keep entertaining and lifting spirits.
The bubble band project, in its second week, had already inspired dozens of entries, she said.
Another CSO lockdown initiative, allowing listeners to write in and ask for a dedicated birthday piece from a musician playing an instrument of their choice, had been so popular they’d had to put it on ‘‘pause’’ to keep up with the demand.
More than 200 people requested birthday messages, which was ‘‘nearly impossible’’ to meet with such a small team, La Roche said.
New Zealand’s art industry has been among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with productions and concerts cancelled.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra concerts have been cancelled until July 31 but performers are bringing free online entertainment to Kiwis across the country.