Overview

Outdoor musical instruments from Percussion Play were installed in the musical maze at the awarding-winning York Maze visitor attraction, creating a sensory experience for visitors.

Challenge

The team at York Maze wanted to create something special amongst the tall circles of maize that it had planted the previous year and was keen to provide a sensory activity that was more laid back and inclusive than the adventure park and physical activities offered elsewhere at the attraction.

Solution

Percussion Play’s instruments were installed in early summer as the maize grew.

The concentric circles of maize created pathways that led to small areas where the instruments were mounted on oversized aluminium platforms. Due to the maize growing high, the instruments were hidden from sight, but the chimes and bells could be heard across the fields.

One of the reasons why York Maze chose Percussion Play's instruments was because they could be played independently with no staff being needed to supervise. Being mounted, the instruments could also be moved and placed in storage over the winter after the maize was harvested.

Instruments selected by York Maze

Outcome

The long, hot summer of 2022 saw both children and adults exploring the maze, discovering a range of instruments hidden in different areas.

The team plans to replant the maize and bring the instruments out again for all to enjoy the following year.

Testimonial

Tom Pearcy, Director of York Maze, said: “it was great having the instruments separated as they could be played by different groups, but together. It brought strangers together to create music. They were all within earshot of each other, and with the instruments tuned to the pentatonic scale, it all sounded so nice and calming. I particularly love the Tembos”.