By Chris Cosci

In Thailand, one of the most unique musical ensembles has been assembled. This group plays a variety of large percussion instruments and performs songs that are very eclectic. To some, the songs may seem disorganized, made up mostly of random tones and rhythms. Of course, what do you expect from a herd of elephants?

Yes, you read that correctly. It's the Thai Elephant Orchestra, which consists of six elephants from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. They play larger, sturdier versions of common instruments, including a gong, slit drums, xylophone-like bars, and even harmonicas. The elephants were taught by the dynamic duo of Richard Lair and David Sulzer. Lair has worked with elephants for over 20 years and has written a study of Asia's captive elephants. Sulzer is a neurologist who heads the Sulzer Labaratory at Columbia University. Of course, when not practicing neurology, Sulzer turns into his alter ego, Dave Soldier - music composer and producer. Some people just have to be showoffs.

Lair works as the conductor, using a set of hand signals to cue the elephants. The elephants then proceed to bang out a series of melodies and rhythms. The result is a bizarre mixture of tones and textures that sounds like people walking in and out of a door hooked up to a set of wind chimes. It's not unpleasant, but it's not exactly Mozart, either. Interestingly enough, it's not that far off from the avant-garde sounds of some 20th-century composers.

Sulzer is convinced that these elephants are creating their own music, and not just banging out random sounds. Of course, Sulzer also claims, "I have no doubt they're improvising - and composing, which is the same thing." Composing is the same as improvising? This could explain why Sulzer hasn't given up his position as a neurologist.

As it turns out, elephants in the world of music is not a modern development. Even the Ancient Romans realized that elephants have a keen sense of hearing, which is better than their sense of sight. In 1957, scientist Bernard Rensch worked with an elephant that could distinguish 12 musical tones and could even remember simple melodies.

Fred Dahlinger, a research director for the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin (where else would it be?) noted that elephants were used in circuses for their musical skills back in the 1850s. Eventually, big circuses like Barnum & Bailey's started featuring elephant bands. Of course, Dahlinger claims that these early bands probably sounded like "a herd of angry Buicks." I don't think I've ever seen an angry Buick, let alone an entire herd of them. Although, I did see a Toyota once that seemed really irritated.

Instead of sounding like a pack of wild automobiles, the Thai Elephant Orchestra's music has actually been described as soothing and relaxing. While not the kind of music you'll find yourself cranking up at your next big shindig, it does have a fascinating quality to it.

Although there is a CD of the music, Lair wants to make it clear that these elephants are not being used for profits. They are not forced to perform. In fact, the elephants seem to enjoy performing very much. He is very concerned for the well-being of the elephants; proceeds from the CD sales are given to groups that provide food for orphaned elephants and a school that helps improve training for elephant handlers. Even in the animal kingdom, the musicians get short-changed! But hey, they get a nice home, some recognition, and the opportunity to play music whenever they want. Now that's the life!