The Cahang: A Percussion Instrument Inspired by Feedback - Part 6

A New Instrument: Not Just an Idea

Creating a new musical instrument is not an easy task. It often starts with an idea, which is then developed and tested. But what is most important is to investigate whether the instrument you have in mind actually adds something unique to the musical world. That is why it is crucial to consult amateur, semi-professional and professional musicians. You pluck up the courage and make contact. So Ward and I went to visit Sander Cools

The Story of Sander Cools

The great thing about looking for percussionists to test your instrument is that you meet people you would otherwise never meet. You feel and see the passion of these people, and that only stimulates you more to continue with what you are doing.

Sander Cools is such an inspiration to me.

Once again I had found a percussionist who breathes rhythm and is creative. Sander Cools started drumming at the age of 9. In 2016, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Lemmens Institute art school. He completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at LUCA School of Arts - Campus Lemmens, where he studied classical percussion and was taught by Carlo Willems. He obtained his Master's degree with Magna Cum Laude in 2021.

In the meantime, he has become professionally active and has collaborated with and played in several bands such as Lohaus, Collectivo and several small jazz ensembles. He is also familiar with orchestras (including Youth Orchestra Flanders) with a wide range of musical styles, ranging from urban pop to big band and classical music, both at home and abroad. He is currently the percussionist for the musical Grease, among other things.

Sander also likes to pass on his knowledge and is also a teacher.

Ward and I were welcomed with open arms by Sander at the Mechelen conservatory, where he teaches percussion in the classical music department.

For this occasion, we only brought the prototype of the current Cahang. Sander was immediately enthusiastic about the instrument. He was surprised by the deep sound and the powerful bass. He thought the different sounds were fantastic, clearly more than with a Cajon. The size of the playing surface offers many possibilities. The ergonomics and the freedom of the player made him enthusiastic. He also thought that as a player you can clearly sell more show with the Cahang compared to the Cajon, for example with the hand playing. He was so enthusiastic that he started thinking about other alternatives for percussion instruments. An hour passed very quickly and we were quietly shown the door by the caretaker of the building. Otherwise we probably would have talked for a while.

More information about Sander Cools can be found at www.sandercools.be

Conclusion

For Ward and me it was clear after all our visits to fantastic musicians-percussionists: we have our instrument. We refine it with the latest tips and tricks and go for it.