I am in the process of building a flea circus and am trying to decide where to have the music come from. I am considering two options. In either case, the source of music will be a small ipod and I will amplify the sound.

1) Build two vents from brass tubing in the front of the box that houses the circus. They will look like colliope pipes. Behind the pipes will be black grill cloth and behind that the speakers. I have mocked up the idea with pieces of paper mounted to the actual box here: http://picasaweb.google.com/boatguy3800/......28964978

2) Use a separate stand alone colliope I will have to disassemble a Christmas display (we haven't used in years). See a picture of the colliope here: http://picasaweb.google.com/boatguy3800/......90935666

Those that perform a flea circus... where does your music come from? Do you think having music come from inside the circus box or suitcase detract by planting a negative idea in the spectators mind that there is something in there?

I like the idea of having it all together, but at the same time I'm not sure about having music come from the case.

Thoughts?

Go for option 2,,,don`t self contain as then speckies think all is automated.

I use Svenson DVD sound on a small DVD player linked to the free standing amp 150 watts.
Player is on table behind Circus so can be operated at the same time as fleas are performing.

Ken.

I use a calliope that I built that includes a remote controlled cd player and a remarkably good pair of tiny speakers. I agree that the audience needs to see the source of the music or it will suspect mechanics for the whole circus.

Thanks. This is very helpful. I wondered a lot about this and you have confirmed my instincts.