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NOISE IMPACT OF EASTER DRUM AND BUGLE

BANDS REHEARSAL
Mara Laura Postigo; Enrique Nava; Jos Manuel Guevara
Affiliation: {University of Mlaga (Spain), Ayuntamiento de Mlaga}
e-mail: { laurapostigo@yahoo.es; en@uma.es; jmgsenciales2@gmail.com }

Abstract
The Easter is a very popular social and cultural tradition in Spain. During the previous
months to Easter, many drum and bugle bands perform practicing rehearsals for the final
performance. In the southern Spanish cities, they are performed on open spaces of the city,
because of tradition and good weather. In recent times, a controversial has started about the
noise impact on the neighborhood, with a increasing number of citizen complaints.
In this paper, a specific noise mapping is performed to assess the real impact of some music
rehearsal activities in Malaga, including source measurements to driven noise propagation
predictions. Results are compared with background noise produced by traffic.
Keywords: Template, manuscript, Internoise 2010.

1 Introduction
Environmental noise is a major pollution problem in cities, mainly due to the higher activity
degree and the presence of industries and services on them. Developed nations are making
greater economic efforts every day to mitigate the harmful effects of noise on health and
welfare of citizens. Depending on the country, the problem of environmental noise is
managed in a different way; however, there are some common issues in the fight against
noise pollution, as the urban planning aimed to harmonize the activities so that their noise
produces the least discomfort, the establishment of some restrictions on the introduction of
new noise sources, a bigger attention of citizens' complaints, the assessment of noise
sources in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, or public awareness and
information to increase the interest in reducing noise. In practice, these measures must be
balanced with the development of new activities, services and industries and support for
economic growing of the area, so a balance is always a matter of equilibrium, also called
sustainable development.

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The major noise sources in urban areas are road traffic, railways, and airports industries.
These activities, although necessary, generating high levels of noise, often being
incompatible with residential areas, educational or medical. Leisure activities also provide
high levels of discomfort, especially the nightlife, generating many complaints from neighbors
who live near them. It must be taken also into account that some countries and cities have
social and cultural traditions that have an influence on noise. As an example, southern
Mediterranean cities have more nightlife activity, mainly due to weather conditions that are
too hot on afternoon and evening periods and nicer night temperature than northern Europe
cities. The incidence of these sources on population, in the case of the city of Mlaga, is
included in the Strategic Noise Map of Mlaga [1] together with a series of measures to
address conflict situations and maintain favorable situations, called actions plans. The
realization of the strategic noise map and action plans is required by European [2] and
Spanish [3] regulations on noise pollution.
Although the bands of bugle and drums are not one of the main sources of noise due to its
low contribution to the noise level of Malaga, locally, in areas where there are rehearsals,
there are complaints and complaints from neighbors, which have become a noise problem to
the managing bodies of the city, which is trying to answer. Hence the importance of being
able to analyze in advance the environmental impact have these musical groups, for their
proper location within the urban area, in order to minimize the adverse effects which may
have the noise emitted on the neighborhood.
These bands perform a wide social and cultural work, as they are a key component of
Malaga's Easter and at the same time, through the art should demonstrate knowledge and
performance of music and musical instruments for young people, who participate in the
rehearsals at an early age. In a tradition from several hundreds of years ago, these
rehearsals are performed in streets and public spaces during all the year, because of the
good climate conditions on the south of Spain cities, with an increased activity in the months
previous to the Easter. In the last few years, some bands societies have raised funds to build
an indoor rehearsal site, but most of the bands have not enough economic resources to do
that because their priority on other social activities, as helping less favored members or
charity actions. Many of these bands are associated with guilds of the Easter in Malaga, this
celebration its considered as a big cultural heritage tradition of Spain, attracting several
million visitors every year, so there is a big economic impact on Mlaga, due to tourist
industry.
In this paper, we have tried to characterize the noise of some of these bands taking into
account the acoustic pressure power generated and the characteristics of the rehearsal
place environment, and assess the noise impact caused in areas where they are located,
with the goal of providing useful information in the evaluation and control of noise from these
sources. This will be used as noise maps generated by noise simulation software, from a
series of measures the noise of the musical sources considered as a whole.

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

2 Input data
2.1

Geographic data

There were analyzed three bands of bugle and drums, performing rehearsals in three
different areas of the city of Malaga. All information on bugle and drums bands existing in
Malaga, such as location and time of testing, the characteristics of the areas tested, the
number of components and instruments of each type of training, etc., has been obtained
through field observation of rehearsals, the collaboration of the components of the various
bands and through the web pages of some of them [4]. Usually they are youth bangs, whose
members are aged between 10 and 30 years, and are mainly composed of brass instruments
such as horns, trumpets and bugles, and percussion instruments like drums and bass drums.
To construct the rehearsal environment of each one of the three sites as accurate as
possible, data are needed on the ground altitude, on the buildings (horizontal layout and
height) on roads in these areas (layout, width), etc. Much of these data information, which
correspond with information on the years 2006 and 2007, was stored in files which were
made for the preparation of strategic noise map of Malaga City (contour map of main streets,
building heights and orthophoto layer of the city). On these data were made relevant
changes and updates using the ArcView software, to as close as possible to the reality of the
city at the time of this study.

2.2

Acoustic data

In addition to the geographical data from noise sources and their environments, sound levels
were required to perform simulations using the CadnaA software for noise mapping.
From the previous strategic noise map of the city, it was used shape files containing tables
used acoustic information attributes, such as the flow of vehicles from the streets, the
absorption coefficients of the facades, etc. As for music sources, we obtained the sound
power from sound pressure measurements made in test sites by a integrating sound level
meter, using the measurement and calculation procedure described by the UNE- EN ISO
3744:1996 [5] and 3746:1996 [6].
For the realization of the acoustic measurements it was taken into account the special
characteristics of the noise to be measured, in this case Easter-type music (frequency
pattern of the instruments, large variations in sound level), and the performance
characteristics of musical sources (duration and organization of rehearsals, position of
components, composition by instrument, outdoor rehearsal, etc.), taking samples of the
Sound Pressure Level per second (Leq,1s), without frequency weighting, and for each third
octave band between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

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3 Data processing
3.1

Source environment modelling

For the preparation of maps of areas of the city of Mlaga where rehearsals took place of
bugle and drums bands considered in this paper, it was used the GIS software ArcView
(ArcGIS), version 9.2. [7]. These maps were later used as acoustic simulation scenarios
using the noise mapping software CadnaA, Basic version 3.6, BMP option [8].
In the modelling of acoustic environments, it was followed the recommendations of the
European Guide to Good Practice for Noise Maps [9].
Because the rehearsal conditions of bugle and drums bands observed, and size options
available, it was considered as a sound source the complete band test in training, that is,
each band was modeled as an omnidirectional point source in CadnaA, located 1.2 m above
the ground, and were modeled buildings, roads and other barriers around each source, in an
area of 850 m2.

Figure 1 Topographic map and 3D model view of the surroundings of the site where it is
located one of the rehearsal sites (Puerto de la Torre)

3.2

Characterization of musical noise sources

3.2.1 Computation of sound spectra


The spectral band data was computed with the help of a designed Matlab routine. This
routine uses three measures Leq,1seg [dB], during one minute, in third octave bands between
20 Hz and 20 kHz with the sound power (musical rehearsal) running, and one measure of the
same parameters without the musical source. Those measures were taken at various points
around of each sound source and on several different days. Our Matlab program computes
the spectral of sound pressure in octave bands, from 31.5 Hz to 8 kHz, to match with the
format that the noise mapping software CadnaA uses.
From the spectra of sound pressure and other parameters, CadnaA calculated the power
spectrum or emission spectrum in octave bands, and simulated the noise map for each band

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

of bugles and drums, according to the UNE-EN ISO 3744:1996 and ISO 3746:1996. Typical
sound power spectra obtained are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Typical sound power spectra (LW [dB]), in octave bands for the three measured
rehearsal sites

3.2.2 Directivity of musical sources


In this study we do not have comprehensive data as required by international standards for
assessing the directivity pattern of sources, nor with data from the directivity of the individual
instruments but, assuming that the directivity of each instrument is influenced by the
orientation of the bell or diaphragm, and as the musicians of the bands of bugles and drums,
are positioned in a circle during the rehearsal, with all the instruments orientated to the
centre of the circlet, the whole band directivity pattern behaves as a near omnidirectional
source. Some measurements had been taken around the band to test this hypothesis.

4 Noise maps
To illustrate the results of the acoustic characterization of the three bands of trumpets and
drums, noise maps were made with the help of CadnaA, considering only the musical
sources, and also considering the road traffic noise sources. Maps were obtained in the
horizontal and vertical planes and also in the facades of the buildings closest to each source.
This paper it is presented a small sample of these maps and the most relevant conclusions
obtained with their analysis and comparison. In all maps, it was used labels with sound levels
and objects as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Labels for acoustic area and objects in the noise maps
The environments of three musical rehearsal sites which have been chosen are very different
to assess a variety of situations in Malaga area. Banda del Carmen rehearsal site is

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

surrounded by tall buildings (over 20 meters height) on a mixed soil with almost flat relief.
The Banda Puerto de la Torre rehearsal site is situated on a soil without asphalt and it is
surrounded by a hilly terrain and low-rise buildings (4 to 9 meters). Finally, the Banda de
Vieros site is located on a paved, flat ground, and the buildings that surround it are very tall
(more than 25 meters). A topography map and a 3D model of the surrounding of the site
number two is presented in Figure 1. In all cases, additional measurements were carried on
several points around the rehearsal site to calibrate the noise maps obtained with CadnaA,
with and without the musical band playing on.
4.1.1 Noise maps considering only the music source
In the noise maps presented in Figure 3, which correspond to the sites previously described,
it can be seen big differences in the propagation of sound emitted by each musical band.
These differences are mainly due to two factors: the power emitted by the source and
characteristics of the surrounding environment (building height). In the first case (Banda del
Carmen), the rehearsal site is a grass and sand soil public space, very close to the rail
tracks. The noise impact is limited to a few close buildings. In the second case, the closer
terrain hill acts as a reflective surface and the impact is spread around the buildings sited in
the closer road, mostly one familiar housing. In this place, the Environment Protection
Department of the City of Mlaga has received some complaints from citizens living in the
neighborhood. Finally, in the third site, a public parking place with asphalt, this surface
spreads the noise on the surroundings, but it can be seen that the most powerful noise
source is the traffic on the closer roads (yellow lines).

Figure 3 Horizontal noise maps calculated at a height of 1.5 m. From left to right: Banda del
Carmen, Banda del Puerto de la Torre and Banda de Vieros
4.1.2 Noise maps comparing the rehearsal site with and without the music source
In Figures 4 and 5, it is presented the horizontal noise map and the 3D model of the
surroundings of the case number one (Banda del Carmen), without the musical band source
and with it. The purpose is to compare the effect of the combined source and to assess the
zone where the increased sound pressure is significant, when compared with the normal
traffic and railway noise. In this case, the increase of sound pressure level in the closer
building (northwest) was up to 12 dB (from 59 to 71dB), with some significant increase in the
north direction (3dB) but it was not found any significant difference with only traffic noise in
the remaining buildings. As a curiosity of this site, the Department of Environment Protection
of the City of Mlaga received a complaint, from one citizen living in this neighborhood, about
the noise produced by the rehearsals of the musical band. As a consequence,

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

measurements were carried at this place with the musical band, with the result of a NAE
(regional noise level) of 60dBA, exceeding the 55dBA allowed noise limit. As a consequence,
the musical band was sanctioned. According with our simulations, the Leq,1m in that place was
60dBA, but without the musical band (only traffic noise) it was 59dBA, in both cases
exceeding the allowed noise limit. No complaints were received from the worst case building
(with 12dBA excess). Perhaps, the explanation of this fact rely more on cultural and social
behaviors than with only acoustic data, even in this case the different spectra of musical
band rehearsal and traffic can be important. In some cases, the music band rehearsals are
not perceived as noise sources, in other cases, a continuous excess of noise levels
increases sensibility of citizens on noise, even with small increments.

Figure 4 Horizontal noise maps of Banda del Carmen rehearsal site. Left: without the music
source. Right: with the music source.

Figure 5 3D noise model of Banda del Carmen rehearsal site. Left: without the music
source. Right: with the music source.
In Figure 6, it was shown the spectrogram of one Banda del Carmen musical band rehearsal
record. It can be noted that the sound have a highly fluctuating nature which it is not easy to
include in the Leq noise indicators.

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

Figure 6 3D spectrogram of Banda del Carmen musical band rehearsal record.


It can also be observed the periodic nature of sound, too different of traffic noise, and that
low and high frequencies of bugle and drum bands have greater values.

5 Conclusions
About the acoustic characterization of a musical band source, the music can be considered
as noise from the point of view that it causes inconvenience to some population of a city. The
observed and measured musical sound characteristics are that there is a highly fluctuating
rhythmic noise levels, with greater values at low and high frequencies. A complementary
research is been carried on to include psychological aspects of noise perception in the same
sites.
The sound power calculated for each source from acoustic data measured in the rehearsal
sites depend on the number of members of the band and the type of instruments used in the
rehearsal, registering higher power levels for larger bands and more powerful instruments,
such as percussion and trombones, but in general, power spectra obtained are similar issues
regarding the most significant frequency components and its easy to predict sound power for
a different number of members, using extrapolation. The environment in which the source is
located can also influence the sound power emitted in the rehearsal, so for example in noisy
areas, the musical source components tend to play stronger.
With regard to the propagation of sound for music sources, in general it has not been found
differences from other noise sources, as the sound reaches the same levels at greater
distances in spaces with low concentration of buildings, while in very dense areas, the sound
is attenuated by diffraction and reflection on the buildings. Tall buildings create acoustic
shadow zones, where levels decreased significantly. Another influential factor on the sound
is the relief and soil type. It has been observed that in more irregular areas (Banda Puerto de
la Torre), where the soil tends to be porous (clay and sand), the sound have higher

INTERNOISE 2010 JUNE 13-16 LISBON PORTUGAL

attenuated due to a higher absorption of the ground. For paved soils and with plain relief the
propagation of sound improves considerably (Banda de Vieros).
The acoustic impact of a band of bugle and drums in the neighborhood depends on the
characteristics of the band as a sound source and its environment. It has been found that the
noise quality objectives are infringed by music sources for residential use zones specified in
the regional and national noise regulation and also the building facades noise exposure
levels. However, in most cases, noise levels are quite high when road traffic noise is only
considered, also doesnt comply with regulations. It has been found also that some neighbors
accuse more disturbed by noise of the musical bands than by the traffic noise, which can
respond to several causes, including the type of noise (stronger at higher frequencies and
more fluctuating that the traffic noise) and the degree of cultural or social identification with
some traditions. In any case, noise mapping methodology proves to be very useful for city
authorities to help them to address the noise issues, in the point of view of sustainable
development decision making.

Acknowledgments
To the Department of Environmental Protection of the City of Mlaga, for facilitate acoustic
and geographical data to perform this study. To the Banda de Cornetas y Tambores Ntra.
Sra. del Carmen, the Banda de Cornetas y Tambores Nuestra Sra. de los Dolores del
Puerto de la Torre and the Agrupacin Musical San Lorenzo Mrtir, for their kindness
collaboration and help. And, finally, to Dr Clara Martimportugus Goyenechea, for her
interesting discussions and help about psychological aspects of this work.

References
[1] Strategic Noise Map of the City of Mlaga. City of Mlaga. Department of Environment
Protection, 2007.
[2] Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002,
relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.
[3] Spanish act (Ley) 37/2003, of 17 November 2003 of Noise.
[4] www.eltinglao.net. Web page on bugle and drum Easter bands in Mlaga.
[5] ISO 3744:1994. Acoustics -- Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure -- Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
[6] ISO 3746:1995. Acoustics -- Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure -- Survey method using an enveloping measurement surface over a
reflecting plane
[7] Moreno, A. Sistemas de Anlisis de la Informacin Geogrfica. Manual de
autoaprendizaje con ArcGIS. RAMA, 2006.
[8] CadnaA User Manual, rev 3.6. Datakustik, 2006.
[9] Good Practice Guide for Strategic Noise Mapping and the Production of Associated Data
on Noise Exposure. Rev 2. 13th January 2006. European Commission Working Group
Assessment of Exposure to Noise (WG-AEN).

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