27 + 8

(= ∞)
This experience allows participants to improvise melodies over their own, created
drumkit loops. A square pyramid will be presented with three of its triangular faces
embedded with three copper and aluminum wire shapes. Each of these shapes is assigned
either a pre-made kick drum, snare drum, or hi-hat loop. Users will be able to select a loop
from each category (organized by side) simply by touching their corresponding shape. These
contact signals are then routed to the MakeyMakeys inside the pyramid to be keymaped and
rerouted to the laptop to trigger their sound. This method of creating offers a possible set of
27 original drumkit loops, essentially allowing for freedom of musical choice and expression
for each participant. Individual drum loops may also be selected to replace a certain category
instantly without disrupting the total alignment. The remaining pyramidal face is reserved for
sounding pitches on an emulated digital piano. Interacting with the eight wire shapes embed
into this side allows the musicians to improvise melodic content, based on the D blues scale,
over their original drumkit loop. This activity facilitates a fluent process of creative expression
without the use of any musical notation, but rather by organizing simple parts to create a
meaningful whole.

Technologies Used:
• Copper/Aluminum wire: Serves as a conductive interface between the user’s
physical inputs and the MakeyMakey.
• MakeyMakey (www.makeymakey.com): Keymaps contact inputs and send
corresponding outputs to Scratch.
• Scratch (www.scratch.mit.edu): Assigns audio files to input signals from the
MakeyMakey.
• Laptop: Operates Scratch and plays back triggered sounds.
• Avid Pro Tools First (www.avid.com/pro-tools-first): Used to create all the
percussion loops.
Participants Will:
• Realize that music does not need to be complex to be expressive.
• Develop a further understanding of how different percussive voices and rhythms
can interact with each other.
• Practice improvisational skills in a comfortable setting.
Feedback Survey:

www.goo.gl/forms/vLfk9U6ydhl0bD542