August 14, 2003 was moving day for the Sound Chamber, a sculpture that had graced the front lawn of the Hobart Institute since its original dedication on April 25, 1992.  Hobart Institute donated the musical sculpture to the City of Troy, knowing that it would be better seen and heard in a more public venue.  The lone sculpture residing on the lawn of the Institute was mostly hidden from view in the residential neighborhood.  

The move itself was a major undertaking and consumed the better part of a day to dissemble the outer quadrants and transport the structure.  Jack Jacobs, who works for ITW Hobart Brothers, along with Park Board Director Joe Reardon, numerous city workers, and Jim’s Towing of Troy, combined efforts to accomplish the feat.  Daytonian Michael Bashaw, Sculptor, Musician, and creator of Sound Chamber, along with Tim Mercer, Parks Superintendent for the City, selected the new site at the corner of North Market Street and Staunton Road where hundreds of people including many students pass and enjoy it on a daily basis.   

The 15-feet high, 50- feet in diameter welded work of art contains harps, wind chimes, and rhythm instruments and is very melodious when it is properly tuned.  A rededication ceremony was held on October 17 at the new site.

Daytonian Michael Bashaw, sculptor, musician, and creator of Sound Chamber, along with Tim Mercer, Parks Superintendent for the City, selected the new site at the corner of North Market Street and Staunton Road where hundreds of people including many students on their way to high school pass and enjoy it on a daily basis. 

The 15-feet high, 50-feet in diameter-welded work of art is constructed of carbon steel utilizing gas metal arc, flux cored arc, and gas tungsten arc welding processes.  The sculpture was then zinc thermal sprayed and painted.  It contains wind chimes, harps, and rhythm instruments and is very melodious. 

The inspiration for the Sound Chamber was developed from the concept of musical ceremonial structures that have a strong communal purpose, such as the Sopo Godang of the Mandailing people of North Sumatra and the metal instruments of the Balinese Gamelan orchestra.

“It is important for me to create outlets for the spontaneous making of sound and art.  To play an instrument well takes a little talent and a lot of practice,” says Michael Bashaw, “but there is something very enriching about just playing a few well-felt notes or rhythms on an instrument, along or with others, and this can be done by anyone.  Not only does this provide self-made entertainment, but also learning, sharing, and communication.”