[spectre] Berlin SoundBoxes Workshop 18-19 July 2015

[Derek Holzer]

SOUNDBOXES WORKSHOP

Discover the hidden sonic qualities of objects from our everyday world 
in this hands-on workshop, combining the arts of electronics, sound and 
performance.

SoundBoxes are small, primitive electro-acoustic instruments built from 
a wooden box, a speaker, a small audio amplifier and a contact 
microphone. They can create a variety of drone and reverb-type sounds 
through feedback between the speaker and microphone, as seen in this 
video. Or they can bring out the hidden sounds found within everyday 
objects as seen in this video. They also have small touchpoints which 
can be used to produce a variety of “crackle box” and “circuit bending” 
sounds.

This workshop has two parts. During the first day, we will learn about 
electricity, how it becomes sound and then how to build the SoundBoxes 
themselves. On the second day, we will explore the possibilities of the 
SoundBoxes through a series of listening and improv exercises, with the 
goal of collaboratively creating a score for a sound performance of 
approximately 15-20 minutes in length. This piece will be presented at 
the end of the second day.

This workshop does not require any previous knowledge of electronics, 
only an interest and a curiosity in both sound and instrument-building.

Further information and images can be found here: 
http://macumbista.net/?page_id=1897

WHAT TO BRING

* One loudspeaker (new, second-hand or salvaged), or one old electronic 
device containing a functioning loudspeaker of decent size (approx 90mm 
or larger) which we can remove. The size of this loudspeaker will 
determine the tone and loudness of your instrument – bigger is usually 
better. Look in old radios, electronic clocks, hi-fi systems, boomboxes 
or car audio systems for your own unique speaker!

* A cigar box or similar wooden box to create the instrument. The box 
should be big enough to hold your speaker, and the lid must not be 
thicker than 5mm.

Alternately, I will have cigar boxes and loudspeakers for sale if you 
cannot locate your own.

Participants may also wish to bring their own found objects and images 
to create a unique audiovisual cabinet of curiosities. Some guitar 
effect pedals can also make the box more interesting.

All other materials and tools will be provided.

WORKSHOP COSTS

* Basic SoundBox + two workshop days: EUR 40 You can see examples of 
this SoundBox here: http://macumbista.net/?p=3457

* FuzzTone SoundBox (with integrated distortion effect, for advanced 
builders) + two workshop days: EUR 55. There are limited materials for 
this type of box! You can see examples of this SoundBox here: 
http://macumbista.net/?p=3988

* Vintage wooden cigar box (if needed): EUR 5

* 92mm loudspeaker (if needed): EUR 3.

BASIC SCHEDULE

SAT 18 JULY 13:00-18:00: introduction and box-building
SUN 19 JULY 14:00-18:00: improvisation, score-creation and rehearsal
SUN 19 JULY 18:00-19:00: performance (invite your friends!)

LOCATION

Atelier Macumba, Herzbergstr 55 (Eingang B), Berlin-Lichtenberg

REGISTRATION

Pre-register for this workshop by sending an email with the subject 
“BERLIN SOUNDBOX WORKSHOP” to MACUMBISTA at the domain GMAIL dot COM. 
Please indicate whether you would like to build the Basic SoundBox or 
the FuzzTone SoundBox.
-- 
derek holzer
noise.art.technology
http://macumbista.net