Tremolo-Chimes

Steven Kemper

Installation Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

• Year: 2023
• Location: Mexico City, Mexico
• Article Number: 31
• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.11194792 (Link to paper)
• PDF link

Abstract:

The Tremolo-Chimes is an interactive performance system that consists of a set of tubular metallic wind chimes that have been modified by removing the striker and wind catcher. MIDI-controlled vibration motors suspended in each chime produce continuous, tremolo-like sounds where the dynamic shape can be controlled over time. This system is inspired by acoustic wind chimes and explores questions about performative agency in automated instruments. The Tremolo-Chimes interactive installation employs multiple control methods, including synthesized wind and sensors that detect the proximity of participants to the chimes. Both synthesized wind and sensor input are fed through a mass-link physical model, evoking the movements of a wind-driven clapper bouncing off traditional wind chimes. Synthesized wind represents the default control mode of the installation when participants are not interacting with the sensors. When a participant enters the sensing field, their body will actuate the chimes similarly to how a percussionist uses their hand to sweep across a set of chimes.

Citation:

BibTeX Entry:

  @article{nime23-installations-31,
 abstract = {The Tremolo-Chimes is an interactive performance system that consists of a set of tubular metallic wind chimes that have been modified by removing the striker and wind catcher. MIDI-controlled vibration motors suspended in each chime produce continuous, tremolo-like sounds where the dynamic shape can be controlled over time. This system is inspired by acoustic wind chimes and explores questions about performative agency in automated instruments. The Tremolo-Chimes interactive installation employs multiple control methods, including synthesized wind and sensors that detect the proximity of participants to the chimes. Both synthesized wind and sensor input are fed through a mass-link physical model, evoking the movements of a wind-driven clapper bouncing off traditional wind chimes. Synthesized wind represents the default control mode of the installation when participants are not interacting with the sensors. When a participant enters the sensing field, their body will actuate the chimes similarly to how a percussionist uses their hand to sweep across a set of chimes.},
 address = {Mexico City, Mexico},
 articleno = {31},
 author = {Steven Kemper},
 booktitle = {Installation Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.11194792},
 editor = {Salvador Chavez and Tito Rivas},
 month = {May},
 title = {Tremolo-Chimes},
 url = {https://www.nime.org/proceedings/2023/nime2023_installations_31.pdf},
 year = {2023}
}