TINKU - Magical Latin Rhythms

The wind instruments pictured here are known as "pan-pipes" or "pan-flutes".The ones used by the musical group TINKU are South American pan-pipes. There also exist the European and Oriental pan-pipes. For our purposes, we will discuss on the South American instruments.

Traditional South American pan-pipes can be grouped into two categories: double row and single row. Double row instruments are generally known as "Zampoñas'. However, each one has it own unique name based on its size and structure. Zampoñas are primiarily constructed of bamboo tubes of various lengths. Each tube is tuned to a different musical note. Zampoñas are played in pairs and sometimes tied together. They are played alternately or by two separate musicians; or in conjunction by two separate musicians or a single musician. Their sizes vary from 5 inches to 5 feet in length. In the picture above there are double row instruments named Toyos (the longest panpipe, approximately 5" tall), Zampoña (large & medium) & Chulis (the smallest of the panpipes). Others do exist (not pictured) and have different names.

In the single row instruments, there are several panpipes: Antara, Quena (Bamboo & Ebony), Quenicho™, Quenacho. They have the same musical note structure as the Zampoña but in a single row fashion. The Quena, sometimes spelled "Kena" is a single bamboo reed flute. It was originally constructed of bone (femur), gold, copper, or clay. It varies in size and key. Quenas also come in various lengths. The smallest one used by TINKU is the "Quenicho™", an instrument designed exclusively for use in TINKU's concerts. The Quenicho™ reaches the highest of the musical notes. Also pictured above are the Bamboo Quena, Ebony Quena, and the Quenacho. The latter is the longest of all and reaches the lowest notes.

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PERCUSSIONS

From South America - Bombo & Cajon (drums), Chajchas (Goat Hooves) & Palo de Lluvia (Rainstick). Other percussons incorporated by TINKU include Claves, Maracas (Mexico), Chimes, Cymbals, Cow Bell & Shakers. Percussions are thought to have been introduced to Latin America by the Spaniards who, in turn, acquired the persussion rhythms from the Africans. The South American Indians then created their unique versions such as the Bombo & Cajon using the materials available in their homeland.

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