We’re thrilled to introduce the Capella – a brand new addition to our collection of diatonic outdoor musical instruments. Vibrant, inviting, and accessible, Capella is a 15-note resonated xylophone that brings joyful sound and color to any outdoor space.
With anodized aluminum notes arranged in the colors of the rainbow, Capella isn’t just a feast for the ears—it’s also a visual treat! Its bright, rounded tone makes it perfect for parks, playgrounds, schools, sensory gardens, and anywhere music and play go hand in hand.
Capella is tuned to the C-Major scale, specifically from G3 to G5, giving it a range of 15 notes that are easy to play and harmonize. The notes are arranged in what we call our “rainbow scale,” which not only makes the instrument fun to look at but also provides a helpful visual guide for players—especially those using color-coded sheet music.
Whether someone is picking out a favorite tune or improvising their own melody, Capella’s design encourages creativity and confidence. It's perfectly suited for all ages and abilities, including those who are just beginning their musical journey.
Explore Capella in detail here
You’ll often hear the term “diatonic” when talking about instruments like Capella. Simply put, diatonic scales are the natural, familiar scales in Western music—like the white keys on a piano. The C-Major scale, for instance, consists of the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
Capella’s range, however, starts on G and goes up to G two octaves higher (G3–G5). This makes it a mode of the C-Major scale called the Mixolydian mode.
So what’s a mode? Think of modes as alternate “flavors” of the major scale—same notes, different starting points. The G Mixolydian mode starts and ends on G, using the same notes as C-Major: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
This slight shift gives the Mixolydian mode its own distinct feel—familiar yet subtly different. It's a popular scale used in rock, blues, and folk music, making Capella not only easy to play but musically versatile, too.
Capella’s rainbow-colored notes aren’t just beautiful—they’re also a powerful educational tool. By pairing the instrument with color-coded sheet music, educators can help learners of all ages and abilities make meaningful connections between color, pitch, and pattern.
This kind of multisensory learning is especially helpful in inclusive play spaces and music therapy settings, where traditional notation may not work for every learner.
Like all Percussion Play instruments, Capella is built to withstand the elements and designed to be permanently installed outdoors. It’s a wonderful addition to:
Wherever it’s placed, Capella helps create a shared musical experience that’s accessible, engaging, and joyful for everyone.
Discover Capella in detail here