02 Sep 2023
Score for a large pile of sticks
For one or more players
Inspired by Olivia Ronan
To prepare: locate or compile a large collection of sticks. Branches are also acceptable, but there should be more sticks than branches before performing. Break branches up beforehand if necessary. Performer(s) may wish to wear hand and eye protection.
Then perform the following:
I. Hold a stick loosely by one end and tap it against a hard surface to listen for its resonance. Tap as many times as necessary to determine the quality of the resonance. If it has a clear tone, toss it into a “resonant” pile. If it sounds dull or doesn’t ring very clearly, toss it into a “non-resonant” pile. All piles should be separate from the original pile. If you encounter branches or compound sticks, you may break them up using any manual method (no electric or power tools). When your “resonant” pile has 7-15 sticks in it, start a new pile. Stop when you have between 10 and 20 “resonant” piles.
II. Pick up any “resonant” pile of sticks oin its entirety. Carry it to a hard surface (the best being a moderately sloped, paved or rocky road) and drop the whole pile onto the hard surface, causing all the sticks to tumble to the ground together. Continue picking up “resonant” piles and dropping them onto different parts of the hard surface, being careful to avoid your previously dropped sticks. Especially if multiple people are performing, make each drop at least 3 seconds after the previous one. After all resonant sticks have been dropped, pick them up by hand in whatever quantity you wish and return them to the original pile.
III. Pick up each stick from your “non-resonant” pile, one by one, and attempt to break it by any manual method. The preferred method is by bending it with both hands until it snaps, but if this doesn’t work you may lean it against something and stomp on the middle of the stick, or wedge it into something sturdy and bend it until it breaks. If no method is successful after 10 seconds, toss the stick onto the original pile and take a new one. Use your discretion and comfort as to which sticks to break - make accomodations for ability and safety. Note: If there are no “non-resonant” sticks, this movement is tacet.
Nathan Wheeler Can Serrat 2 Sept 2023