CMU student builds his own instrument

CMU Student William Fex II was recently awarded a Summer Program in the Arts and Research grant from the CMU Office of Research and Graduate Studies to research and construct an Aquarion, a marimba-type instrument with a wood frame and glass keys. What makes this instrument different from a rosewood marimba, and because of its custom-build, it will be one of a kind. Very few know of the Aquarion because there are only two known musicians who perform with it as part of their profession.    

The Aquarion consists of many pieces that are being developed around the United States. The bars were crafted by Elemental Design, a hand-made percussion crafting site in Maine, and then shipped to Hyer Percussion Products, located in Ohio, who is currently making the frame and base Once each piece is completed, they will be shipped to William who will need to assemble the pieces. William believes the Aquarion parts will arrive on campus before the end of this Fall semester. 

In anticipation of the instrument’s arrival, William spent the summer and more time this semester practicing multiple pieces. Some of the pieces he plans to perform on the Aquarion in the upcoming months are Etude in B Minor by Fernado Sor, Commondetto by Carl Leopold Röllig, and Feeling Better by Ivan Trevino. William says that he hopes to be able to perform for everyone on campus right before winter break or at the start of next semester. “There is much more to explore surrounding the Aquarion, it’s unique sound, and its untapped range of creative capability.”