Overview
Build recycled instruments with Heavy Metal Marching Band for concertnova’s Cincinnati Sandbox at CCM on October 25.
This is a free pre-concert event for concertnova’s Cincinnati Sandbox concert, which will be at CCM on October 25, 2026.
What can you build from the things other people throw away?
Join concertnova, Wave Pool, and Cincinnati’s Heavy Metal Marching Band for a free, hands-on workshop devoted to building instruments from reclaimed metal and other discarded materials.
Participants will work in Wave Pool’s woodshop using hand tools and potentially power tools to construct, modify, and test original noise-making instruments. Materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring safe recycled or reusable materials that could clang, rattle, scrape, ring, or otherwise make an interesting sound.
This workshop is intended for adults who are comfortable working around heavy tools and in an active woodshop environment. No musical or instrument-building experience is necessary, but participants should come prepared to build, experiment, and make some noise.
Space is limited, so advance registration is required.
WHO: Adults who are comfortable using hand tools and potentially power tools.
WHAT: A free, hands-on workshop building noise-making instruments from reclaimed materials with members of Heavy Metal Marching Band.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM
WHERE: Wave Pool, 2940 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hands-on instrument construction in the Wave Pool woodshop
Recycled and reclaimed building materials
Hand tools and potentially power tools
Members of Heavy Metal Marching Band sharing their creative approach
Plenty of joyful, unconventional noise
Participants and their newly created instruments will be invited to perform with Heavy Metal Marching Band during Cincinnati Sandbox on Sunday, October 25. Performing is completely optional, and participation in this workshop is not required to join the band at the concert. Every workshop attendee will receive discounted tickets to the show, and every performer will be welcomed for free to the show.
Want something more family-friendly? Check out our all-ages instrument-making workshop at Indigo Hippo on September 20, where children and adults can transform playful recycled materials into imaginative musical instruments.
ABOUT HEAVY METAL MARCHING BAND
Heavy Metal Marching Band is a celebratory, noise-making, dancing, all-inclusive, joy-filled social revelry. The band includes very few people who “know what they’re doing” and is open to anyone who wants to join in. Every instrument is made from trash.
Special thanks to River City Metal Recycling.
ABOUT CINCINNATI SANDBOX
Cincinnati Sandbox explores how music can transform what we discard by repurposing everyday objects, found sounds, and recycled materials into something entirely new. Presented by concertnova, Cincinnati’s artist-led collective creating immersive and interdisciplinary concert experiences, the program brings together Grammy-nominated Sandbox Percussion, acclaimed violinist Kristin Lee, and Cincinnati’s Heavy Metal Marching Band.
The concert features the Cincinnati premiere of Vivian Fung’s Goddess//Insect, written for Sandbox Percussion and Lee, alongside music by John Corigliano, Andy Akiho, Viet Cuong, and others.
CINCINNATI SANDBOX CONCERT
Sunday, October 25, 2026
5:00 PM
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Tickets: $35 general admission, $20 young professionals, and $10 students.