The Experimental Instrument Orchestra is one of the more cultured parts of the Kansas City music scene. In a city that is known for a punk rock and rock 'n' roll flavor, E.I.O. is a breath of fresh air. The band makes its own instruments, creating a unique style that is definitely not something you would see on a normal Saturday night.

E.I.O is made up of Amy Farrand, Mark Smeltzer, and their audiences. They first formed in the summer of 2006.

"Mark and I have played together for years. We both love to build all kinds of things, but building instruments seemed to take priority," said Farrand. E.I.O. plays improvised music with homemade instruments and with the help of the live audience.

What they're doing is not all that revolutionary, but it is rare. After centuries, it's how we've come to know the more traditional instruments of today.

In the backwoods of the South and other rural communities - as well as in Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America - making your own is still a popular practice. What is rare about E.I.O. is that they are far from the backwoods and are bringing a rural practice into the urban environment. And they're having a good time doing it.

E.I.O. has between 150 and 200 songs in their catalog, featuring numerous original instruments. They have an anything-goes attitude, with no regularity in their craft. "We can make instruments out of almost anything. We don't like rules," Farrand stated. Lawless as they are, they are also skilled. Both musicians have countless years of experience on stage. Farrand has been involved in several bands in the Kansas City music scene over the years. Currently, she is the bassist for American Catastrophe, a local act with moody, rural undertones.

E.I.O. has not only played in Kansas City but has also traveled to London to be a part of the BBC's "Electric Proms Festival." They will be playing and teaching March 15 at Chicago's Field Museum. If you can't make it there, you can still check them out at http://myspace.com/experimentalinstrumentorchestra.

Copyright 2008 Metropolitan Community College