Invitation to WEKA Members & Friends
Instrument Show & Tell
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.
In addition to Show & Tell offerings for solo instruments, WEKA has the capacity to support virtual video performances of multiple instruments. Please inquire if you are interested in offering a short virtual performance of early keyboard instruments in ensemble, or an ensemble including harpsichord with singers or with string, wind or brass instruments.
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@wekaweb.org with your request. 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 new 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 via email to weka@wekaweb.org. (You may copy and paste the two lists into your email and insert your answers at the end of each numbered line.) You will receive a reply with instructions on how to upload your Show & Tell file(s) to WEKA’s GoogleDrive.
Information to Include About Yourself
- Your Email (will not be shared)
- Your Name
- May Your Name be Listed With Your Show & Tell? Yes/No
- Date of Your Video
- Your City & State
- Your Experience With Early Keyboard Instruments (kit builder, professional builder, amateur player, professional player, student, etc.)
- Your website, FaceBook, etc. if you are a professional.
Information to Include About Your Instrument(s)
- Year Completed
- Builder’s Name
- Name of Kit Company
- Year of Significant Restoration Work
- Name of Restorer
- Name of Painter/Decorator
- Historical Model for the Instrument (Copy of Mietke Harpsichord c.1702, 18th Century German Clavichord, etc.)
- Number of Keyboards
- Keyboard Range (using the Helmholtz system of notation shown below )
- Registers (8′ 4′ Buff, etc.)
- Pitch (a=415, a=440)
- Transposing? Yes/No
- Tuning Used for this Video
- Materials Used (such as for soundboard, jacks, plectra)
- Title and Composer of Your Demonstration Piece(s)
- Comments (More information about the construction of the instrument, stories about its history, use in recitals or recordings, etc.)
Helmholtz Pitch Notation
