JAZZ HANDS
Open Hardware Hybrid Saxophone System
Artistic presentation and public defence of PhD research ‘JAZZ HANDS', by Andrew Claes conducted between19 september 2018 till 20 september 2023 at Royal Conservatoire Antwerp (AP Schools of Arts) and ARIA (UAntwerp).
Promoters: Kurt Van Herck (Conservatoire) en Steven Latré (UAntwerp)
Partners: UAntwerp, IDLAB/IMEC, Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, Antwerp Research In the Arts (ARIA), The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (KMSKA)
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PROGRAM THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2023 |
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19:00 - 20:00 |
KEY NOTE PRESENTATION |
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20:00 - 21:00 |
CONCERT |
| 21:00 - 22:00 |
PUBLIC DEFENCE |
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22:00-23:00 |
RECEPTION |
Abstract
This research journey traverses the realms of music, technology, and innovation, culminating in the creation of a groundbreaking hybrid saxophone. The project unfolds as a multidimensional narrative, interweaving technical expertise, artistic exploration, and a quest for the challenging future of musical expression.
The journey begins with the transformation of the student from a musician into an aspiring engineer, fueled by the vision of a new instrument. The core idea combines traditional saxophone craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, integrating sensors that transmit mechanical movements into the digital domain, elevating the saxophone into a full-fledged MIDI controller without compromising its original acoustic properties.
The research documents the progression of each phase, from self-study in the digital landscape to the development of a functional proof-of-concept model. The prototype is unveiled during a concert with the Goeyvaerts String Trio at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
This doctoral research is a pioneering milestone at the intersection of art and technology. It encapsulates the journey from novice to innovator, intertwining knowledge acquisition, prototyping, and artistic expression.