Western Early Keyboard Association

Instrument Show & Tell

Invitation to WEKA Members & Friends

Why

WEKA seeks to encourage lovers of early keyboard instruments to stay connected by sharing experiences of their instruments via virtual technology. We all enjoy seeing and hearing others’ instruments, and there are many fine instruments in homes and workshops that are never heard in recitals.

What 

WEKA invites you to share your instrument(s) by creating a short Show & Tell video, or, if you are not equipped to create video, you may submit photographs and sound recordings.

Videos or recordings may be up to 10 minutes long per instrument featured, and more than one instrument may be featured in a single video or recording. 

We are most interested in instruments – harpsichords, clavichords, fortepianos and house organs – constructed according to historical models, as well as antique pianos constructed prior to 1900.

Who

This invitation is made to WEKA members and friends. If you prefer, your Show & Tell can be posted anonymously. If you wish to have your Show & Tell removed in the future, contact WEKA via our Contact form. Please understand that WEKA must reserve the right to choose which Show & Tell offerings will be shared.

Where

Your Show & Tell offerings will be made available on the WEKA YouTube channel, in the hopes that sharing with the public may help to increase our membership, participation and recognition, and create more opportunities for you to connect with other early keyboard enthusiasts.

How

You may create a video using your phone, laptop, or camera. If you have questions, selected WEKA board members will support you in creating an appropriate video. Alternately, you may submit photographs and audio recordings and we will create a YouTube video for you.

Ideas for What to Include in Your Show & Tell

You might like to show your instrument as used in a performance. Also, you may create a demonstration video or a few photographs showing the instrument from various angles, including close ups of the keyboards, action and decoration. You may tell about what is being shown in a voice-over commentary. 

Submitting Your Completed Show & Tell

When your Show & Tell is ready to submit, send the following information to WEKA using our Contact form. (You may copy and paste the two lists into your email and insert your answers at the end of each numbered line.) 

Information to Include About Yourself

1. Your Email (will not be shared)

2. Your Name

3. May Your Name be Listed With Your Show & Tell? Yes/No

4. Date of Your Video

5. Your City & State

6. Your Experience With Early Keyboard Instruments (kit builder, professional builder, amateur player, professional player, student, etc.)

7. Your website, FaceBook, etc. if you are a professional.

Information to Include About Your Instrument(s)

1. Year Completed

2. Builder’s Name 

3. Name of Kit Company

4. Year of Significant Restoration Work

5. Name of Restorer

6. Name of Painter/Decorator 

7. Historical Model for the Instrument (Copy of Mietke Harpsichord c.1702, 18th Century German Clavichord, etc.)

8. Number of Keyboards

9. Keyboard Range (using the Helmholtz system of notation shown below )

10. Registers (8′ 4′ Buff, etc.)

11. Pitch (a=415, a=440) 

12. Transposing? Yes/No

13. Tuning Used for this Video

14. Materials Used (such as for soundboard, jacks, plectra) 

15. Title and Composer of Your Demonstration Piece(s)

16. Comments (More information about the construction of the instrument, stories about its history, use in recitals or recordings, etc.)