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Staff Bulletin
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RESEARCH OFFICE REPORTWhen Science meets MusicIt is well known in musical circles that a stringed instrument sounds better if it is played regularly. Why is this? Dr Ra Inta from the School of Aerospace , Civil and Mechanical Engineering (ACME) had a piece published in the "Last Word" column of New Scientist on this very topic ('Dead Wood'.) which piqued our interest. (We also found it interesting that Ra was interested in the dulcet tones of stringed instruments as well as the other cacophonous noises which often emanate from Engineering schools!). Ra has called the opinions mentioned in his articles 'legends', as opposed to 'myths', because he felt the latter implied that there was no substance to the opinion, which really wasn't true. Dead WoodThere are many legends surrounding the violin. Like all legends, there is almost certainly a component of 'truth', although this ‘truth' can often be very hard to quantify. One of these legends pertains to the age of a particular violin: if the 'best' violins now are the violins from the Cremona province in Italy , made over 300 years ago, doesn't this mean that violins get better with age, like a good wine? Another legend posits the 'improvement' of a particular violin with the amount of playing the instrument has undergone. Both of these legends have much independent, albeit anecdotal, support evidence. From the perspective of a scientist, these are interesting questions, but there is much ambiguity. How can you make objective measurements on an intrinsically subjective system? Part of the ambiguity lies in the fact it is hard to make an objective measurement or appraisal of a particular violin for a variety of reasons. There are as many theories as there are players, makers and dealers, and the lack of a definite mechanism means it can be hard to dismiss any individual theory. Also, there is no ideal 'control' instrument to which others can be compared. Then along comes Harry Vatiliotis. Harry is a violin maker who has a reputation for not only making fine instruments, but also for reproducing particular instruments. An order for a cello had fallen through, and he thus had enough wood from the same block to make two violins. As a matter of confluence, the Powerhouse Museum , wanted to acquire a violin from Harry for their collection. Enter Romano Crivici, a professional violin player, who also wanted a new violin from Harry. All three parties were interested in the truth behind the two legends mentioned above as a matter of genuine interest rather than a preconceived opinion - but how to address these legends? Romano complained of this very dilemma to his musical colleague, Professor Joe Wolfe at UNSW who was Ra's PhD supervisor, at the same time that Ra was doing similar work on the guitar, and viola! A connection was made. Two violins were to be made by Harry as similarly as possible. One was to be stored in controlled conditions in the Powerhouse Museum , while the other was played regularly by Romano. Ra would perform measurements on the violins during construction, and thereafter at regular periods. These measurements included listening and playing tests by experts as well as more 'physical' tests. Although this project is now in its fourth year, it is intended this would continue for as long as possible. There may yet be truth in the legends... Ra has recently had an article published in 'Acoustics Australia' which the more musically inclined might find interesting (or blasphemous, depending on your philosophical inclination.) The article may be found at: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/powerhousetwins.html Ra's letter in the New Scientist: Dead wood 23 April 2005 What is "well known" may sometimes be widely believed rather than actually convincingly demonstrated. Careful scientific studies, such as those by Carleen Hutchins (Catgut Acoustical Society Journal, vol 3, no 5) or Erik Jansson (Acustica, vol 83, p 337), have not given strong support for the proposition noted by your questioner. However, it is difficult to design experiments and interpret the results, because the performer-instrument-listener system is complex, and it is notoriously difficult to control time independently of other parameters. An instrument's age, the owner's familiarity with its strengths and weaknesses, the amount it has been played and the number of adjustments it has undergone can all play a major role. The lack of scientific validation has not prevented some manufacturers exploiting this belief, and some musical entrepreneurs will treat your new guitar by exposing it to high-intensity vibration for an extended period, or season your violin by exposing it to ultraviolet light or constantly changing humidity. Beneficial mechanical changes could arguably result from ageing or playing. For example, the glue may weaken or there may be internal relaxation of the wood. However, the strains involved in performance are small. The changes in listeners and the adaptation of owners over time may be larger. An interesting experiment would be to compare performances and recordings made over time on two very similar instruments, of which only one was played regularly. The letter may be found at:http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18624963.000
Staff BulletinsIf you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au. Co-op Bookshop - Book of the WeekOr books of the week in this instance… Books for the evil genius, a new series published by Tab Robotics from McGraw Hill. “Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius: 28 Build it yourself Projects” $39.95 Projects included in this book are: Infrared Viewer Laser beam cutter Pyrotechnic Blaster & shock wave pulser And many more… “Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius: 57 Lessons with Projects” $39.95 This volume includes : A professional burglar alarm An application that counts A toy that thinks for itself with logic gates This title has web links that provide animations, answers to worksheet problems, Freeware so you can apply your PC as an oscilloscope. “123 Robotics Experiments for the Evil Genius”$39.95 Including a printed circuit board. “Vividly explains the science behind robots & the technologies needed to build them including: Electronics, mechanical assembly, programming & microcontrollers” Co-op Bookshop MAY SALE NOW ON!! “Standard of Power: The Royal Navy in the 20 th century” Dan Van Der Vat $12.95 “A Wolverine is Eating My Leg” Tim Cahill $9.95 “Asia Pacific: New Geographies of the Pacific Rim ” R F Watters & McGee $9.95 “Three Great Novels: Dixie City Jam, Burning Angel, Purple Cane Road ” James Lee Burke $11.95 Co-op member discount on sale books!!
'Unseen' a Ceramic Exhibition by Janet Fieldhouse 11 May - 10 JuneThis work is an expression of material culture, rituals of social and religious life, and artifacts which are created to fulfill the functional and spiritual needs of peoples of the Torres Strait. Viewing hours: Mon - Thurs 8am -9pm, Fri 8am-5pm and Sat & Sun 1-5pm Location: The Academy Library, UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Campbell ACT Contact info: Debra 0402 856 592 or 02 62687 7511
Indoor Sports Centre (ISC) Operations - 07 -21 May 05:The ISC will be available for use on weekdays from 0700 h - 1700 h;
ADFA Fencing Club Fundraiser - 25 MayThe ADFA Fencing Club will be conducting a fundraiser screening of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith at 1830 h on Wed, 25 May 05. The film will be screened at Greater Union Cinemas, Civic with tickets costing $10. Candy Bar discounts will be available. The fundraiser is open to all military and academic staff, Advanced Students, midshipmen and officer cadets. Families are also welcome. Please contact your relevant POC by Fri, 06 May 05 if interested. POC: LEUT Trent Lam, DO 10, Ext: 8130 or OFFCDT Adam Brown, 19 Div, Ext: 6194
Staff Development Course - 12 July 2005On the 12 July, the Staff Development Unit will be holding a course "Focus: Achieving your highest priorities". The course is for 1 day and will be facilitated by the FranklinCovey Company. There are also a number of brochures available if you require a more detailed outline of the topics to be covered. The estimated cost will be around $300 but at this stage, until final numbers are determined, the exact cost is not available. Please contact Anne Green on 6189 or a.green@adfa.edu.au for further information. FOCUS: Achieving Your Highest Priorities. In the new era of business, success is no longer measured by simply getting things done. It's the people who know how to focus on the most important goals that move their organisations forward-and enjoy a greater sense of job satisfaction. This engaging, highly interactive workshop will help you think differently about how you spend your time and give you the tools to: - Increase productivity by identifying and focusing on your top priorities - Enhance chances of success by setting goals that align with your most important objectives - Keep focused with a planning system that integrates the tools you use (planner, PDA, desktop) - Effectively manage all the information that comes across your desk (e-mail, voicemail) - Reduce stress by recognising and eliminating low-priority activities and distractions ClassifiedsIf you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au FOR SALEFutton bed with double size mattress -$ 150.00, Micro Oven Samsung– $ 40.00, Bread Toaster Moulinex – $ 10.00, Baker Machine Ronson - $ 20.00, Bread maker Breville – $ 65.00, Philips- Stereo system – $ 50.00, Hoover Robinhood – $ 50.00, Deep fryer Kambrook– $65.00, Massager Homemedics- $30.00, Juicer AFK- $20.00 Everything in good condition. Phone: (02) 6286 5839 Bedroom suite – white with blue trim – includes chest of draws with mirror, wardrobe and desk. Would suit child or young adolescent. Good condition. $100. Call 0404 091 491. Camry CSI wagon 1998 model. Auto, air-conditioned, cd player, very well maintained, with log books. $10,000.00 ono. Phone 0404 091 491. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Three bedroom ensuite duplex house at Broulee. 10 minutes walk to beach. Furnished. $50 per night. If interested, please call Jeannette on 6258 2803. Free Community LecturesPetro Fedorczenko Memorial Lecture - 1 June 2005Date: Wednesday 1 June 2005 Time: 1730 (staff are requested to be seated by 1715) Venue: Adams Hall Dress: Lounge Suit or equivalent for Ladies This years guest speaker will be the Director of the Cape York Institute, Mr Noel Pearson. All ADFA Defence and University staff and partners are welcome to attend. Important Dates
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