SPEAKER SWINGING

SPLORE 2010ARTS SUBMISSION

 INTRODUCTION

Our proposed submission for the Splore 2010 Arts program

is an interactive sonic and visual performance. Based on
Gordon Monohans original “Speaker Swinging” (1982), we
have re-interpreted the performance to be controlled by the
external; the performance and the audience unite; the spec-
tators become the conductor.

Wave generators output sound in its purest form to two speak-

ers which are in turn swung around the performers heads
attached to rope. The basic concept of the work is an obser-
vation of the Doppler effect. The revolution of the speakers
causes the frequency of the sound emitted to change as the
speakers move past the observer, creating the shift in the
pitch you hear as you listen from a stationary point.

We have had a fantastic reception performing the work over

the last few months. We recently performed to a crowd of a
few-hundred as part of the Auckland Architecture Week pro-
gramme. We have also performed throughout the University
Campus and around the Auckland CBD. The sheer power
and intensity of the sound produced is a compelling experi-
ence.

For our submission for the Splore 2010 Arts programme, we

decided to take the work further. We have previously worked
on projects involving interactive design, so we decided to
step back and allow the performance to be controlled by the
public. Using an array of technical equipment, we are propos-
ing a system in which the spectators can control the sound
outputted through the speakers simply by moving there body,
without any apparent recognition as to how the sound is be-
ing controlled.

A video of us performing speaker swinging can be found on

Youtube here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d2qQQ1LuoY
SPEAKER SWINGING
EXPLORATIONS IN INTERACTIVITY

Over the past three months we as a group have been creat-

ing experiments on human interaction with technology. We
have created multiple systems in which to control sound and
visuals through movement tracking. Below are images of us
controlling graphical projections using video-tracking and
sound input.
 INSTALLATION SPECIFICS

Video data is sent into a Laptop Computer (via a Digital Cam-

era) which is received by Quartz Composer. The program-
ming we have developed within Quartz Composer tracks
the movement on an x/y axis at different locale points in the
frame. Below is a Screen Capture of our sketch.

Quatz Composer then sends this data via OSC (Open Sound
Control) to the program OSCulator, which has the ability to
convert OSC dater into MIDI data (Musical Instrument Digital
Interface Data).

This MIDI data is then received by the program Ableton Live,

our Digital Audio Workstation. Within Ableton Live, we can
then map each specific piece of input data to control various
sound wave parameters and effects. What you essentially
get is an incredibly dynamic sonic instrument controlled via
movement.

The sound is then output from the computer into an audio-in-

terface, which splits the audio into its two channels and sends
it to an amplifier, which is in turn powering the speakers.
 EQUIPMENT LIST

• Digital Video Camera

• Laptop Computer
• 2 12” Speakers
• Amplifier
• Audio Interface
• Wiring
• LED lights
• Power Supply

COST

We already own all of the equipment needed to perform our

installation, so we require no additional financial assistance
in terms of materials. The only cost we foresee is for the
event itself; transportation and set-up. This however would
be very minimal. Additionally, our installation does require
mains power.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY

We are very aware of the safety concerns associated with

our installation, and we take every measure possible to
ensure a complete safe environment for the spectators.

• The speakers are connected to rope pre-tested far beyond

operational load levels. The connection points are backed
up by safety lines attached to the wrists of the performers
and to the speakers themselves.

• The speakers themselves have LED lights attached to en-

sure clear visibility when performing at night or low light
levels.

• A well defined boundary is always observed and roped off

to ensure observers do not come within the circumference
of the speakers.

• We generally perform somewhat elevated above ground

level (on a picnic bench for instance), as an added precau-
tion incase someone does not observe the boundary and
stumbles within the vicinity of the speakers.

The organizers for all previous events in which we have per-

formed have always been happy with the level of precaution
we follow. We are more than happy to discuss any other is-
sues you may have, as we understand Splore is a large event
and strict guidelines must always be in place. We do not fore-
see any issues regarding safety, however anything we can
do to minimise risk will always be undertaken.
 ARTIST INTRODUCTION
ANGUS MUIR JAMES PENDERGRAST MAT REID

As a collective we recently collaborated on an Interactive Ar-

chitectural Installation for Auckland Architecture Week 2009.
Our submission was in the form of an exhibition pavilion, in
which the facade was made of vertical louvers which could
be externally controlled by the public. We fabricated a work-
ing installation which is currently being exhibited by the Uni-
versity of Auckland. The installation involved sonar proximity
sensors which would track the occupants, causing the lou-
vers to revolve individually with external movement.

As individuals we have very dynamic backgrounds. Angus

has a background of fine-arts, and has experience in public
events, running large-format fireworks displays for christmas-
in-the-park and other events. James runs a Music Production
Studio in Newmarket, and is a electronic musician in his own
right. Mat has a background of sculpture. Aside from that, we
are all studying Architecture at the University of Auckland.
 CONTACT
Please Contact James for any queries you may have.

James Pendergrast
78 Margot st
Epsom
Auckland

ph) 0273686711
em) jim_pendo@hotmail.com

Thank you very much for your consideration of our pro-

posal. We hold great respect for Splore, and the dyna-
mism it creates as its stands out against all other music
festivals in New Zealand. The Splore weekend is a date
we always look forward to, and regardless of our inclu-
sion in the Arts Program, we are excited at what you will
bring us this time round.

Regards

James Pendergrast
Angus Muir
Mat Reid