Graydon Campbell, Justin Duhaime, Matthew Edwards, Fraser Holmes, Cristina Mahneke, Curtis Perry, Madelyn Piehl, Gared Stepaniuk, Jesse Stewart
Influences
Judy Dunaway, Frank Zappa, Spike Jones, John Cage, Eugene Chadbourne, Captain Beefheart, Sun Ra Arkestra, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Albert Ayler, Harry Partch, Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Krzysztof Penderecki, Mr. Bungle, Edgar Varèse, Iannis Xenakis, Pauline Oliveros...
The Balloon Orchestra started in Professor Jesse Stewart's "Introduction to Instrumentation" class at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario in the Fall of 2008. In addition to studying principles of instrumentation associated with the Western symphony orchestra, the class was encouraged to think about instrumentation in an expanded way: what does 'instrumentation' mean in an era when virtually any sound can be used by the composer/performer as a viable sonic resource? As a way of thinking through this question, the class was given a group assignment to come up with a musical ensemble that would be innovative in its approach to musical instrumentation and would include every member of the class. The result was the Carleton University Balloon Orchestra, later shortened to The Balloon Orchestra, which uses nothing but latex balloons as musical instruments. The group quickly found that balloons are versatile and expressive sound producers. They have the added advantage of being readily available and cost effective—a few dollars at the local dollar store supplied the entire class with instruments. Within two weeks of forming, The Balloon Orchestra appeared twice on CBC radio (Canada's National Radio Broadcaster). The group's end-of-term recital received a standing ovation from a capacity audience that ranged in age from 4 to 84. In the months since, the group has continued to perform at public and private events in Ottawa. By strumming, drumming, sqeezing, squeaking, shaking, rubbing, plucking--and occasionally popping--balloons of different shapes and sizes, the group creates richly varied and nuanced musical textures that are sure to delight audiences of all ages and musical persuasions.
