Tambour de Pan Flute Kit – BY BRAS

A complete flute kit designed for the performance of Tambour de Pan by composer Théo Mérigeau.

Tambour de Pan is a work for solo percussion composed by Théo Mérigeau in 2024, commissioned by the Ensemble intercontemporain and originally performed by percussionist Aurélien Gignoux.

The piece combines an augmented drum kit with a unique family of air-powered instruments. The performer controls two groups of three flutes using foot pumps, while two additional water flutes are activated by plunging open plastic bottles into water.

The result is a highly physical instrument in which percussion, air, water and movement become part of the same musical gesture.

After the premiere, Théo Mérigeau and Aurélien Gignoux worked with instrument maker Nicolas Bras to develop a reliable and powerful version of the complete flute setup.

Built from PVC tubes and specially designed 3D-printed parts, the BY BRAS version is considerably louder than the original DIY prototype, allowing the flutes to balance more effectively with the drums.

Discover Tambour de Pan and learn more about the flute setup on Théo Mérigeau’s website.

Get Tambour de Pan's Score here!

Two sets of pump-operated flutes

The instrument includes two independent sets of three flutes, each designed to be connected to a foot pump.

Playing several flutes together produces rich and clearly audible acoustic beatings.

Each set also comes with a kit of interchangeable extensions and a custom-made stopper. These elements make it possible to modify the resonating length of the flutes and produce the different notes and effects required by the composition.

The foot pumps allow the percussionist to control the airflow directly with their feet and integrate the flutes into the physical choreography of the performance.

Two water flutes

The kit also includes two water flutes.

Each flute is screwed onto an open plastic bottle. When the bottle is plunged into a container of water, the rising water pushes the air contained inside the bottle through the flute, causing it to sound.

The depth, speed and force of each movement provide precise control over the airflow and articulation. This allows the flutes to be played with the accuracy, dynamics and physical gestures of a percussion instrument.

Choose your version

Flutes Only

This version includes the complete set of specially made instruments required for the piece:

• Two sets of three pump-operated flutes

• The extension kits required for the different notes

• Custom-made stoppers

• Two water flutes

• The dedicated 3D-printed parts and connectors required to assemble the flute system

The flutes are the most delicate and precise part of the setup to manufacture. Their sound depends on small construction details and perfectly airtight connections.

This version contains all the musical parts made in the BY BRAS workshop while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to ship.

Foot pumps, bottles and water containers are not included. These components are also essential for performing the piece, but they are easier to source locally or make yourself using readily available materials.

Detailed information about the required accessories and how to complete the setup is available in Théo Mérigeau’s construction and performance guide.

Complete Kit

The Complete Kit is the fully assembled, ready-to-use version.

It includes:

• Two sets of three pump-operated flutes

• The extension kits required for the different notes

• Custom-made stoppers

• Two water flutes

• Two foot pumps

• Air tubes and connectors

• Two adapted plastic bottles

• Two water containers

• All the parts required to assemble and use the complete system

All components are selected and precisely adjusted to work together. The airtight connections, airflow and positioning of the different elements are tested in the BY BRAS workshop.

This version is ideal if you want a complete, reliable instrument without having to source, modify or adjust the additional components yourself.

Made for Tambour de Pan

Each flute is individually assembled and tested in the BY BRAS workshop.

This kit was developed specifically for musicians preparing a performance of Théo Mérigeau’s Tambour de Pan. It offers a powerful and dependable alternative to building the complete flute system from scratch.

Please note: the musical score for Tambour de Pan is not included with the kit. For information about the score and performance instructions, please contact composer Théo Mérigeau.