April 27, 2015
Tools built for a specific need can sometimes be repurposed, with interesting results. I designed the Tuning Box for microtuning General MIDI synthesizers, but "Professor" George Hall has found a novel use for it: remapping MIDI notes via a Trombone to wirelessly control a color lighting system. Confused? Here's what Professor Hall told me recently about his work via email:
"Without going into detail, there are great artistic possibilities with using the power of a synth - but silent - to operate lights, and being able to modify a scale to fit the range of movement of the trombone slide, thanks to CSE and TBX1".
Just operating lights based on MIDI notes created from slide movements would be easy, but quickly become predictable. Of course having a synth audible and changing sounds with the slide movements of a played trombone is another realm. My original goal was just to create color from slide movements, kind of like a visual Theremin."
So, if I understand this correctly, it sounds like remapping pitches via TBX1 would result in different changes in color, so selecting tuning presets would be like selecting a new color palettes for different motions of the slide. Neat idea!
He adds:
"By the way, I first played a Moog synth in 1970, and was in a backup band behind Don Ellis, so I have a special appreciation for your accomplishments. I play Ragtime piano with Silent Movies. 'Professor Hall' is just my stage name; I cannot claim to have a PhD, or an institutional position. It is all about having some fun."
For those of you who don't already know, Don Ellis recorded microtonal jazz featuring a quartertone trumpet — noteworthy in the history microtonal music.
Thank you, Professor Hall, for sharing your invention!
Best Regards.
Aaron
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