The Machine Orchestra.

Abstract

This paper describes the making of the Machine Orchestra, a unique ensemble that combines custom musical interface design, hemispherical speakers, networked performance, and musical robotics. This project is built as part of the final year curriculum in Music Technology at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where students amalgamate computer science, digital signal processing, circuit design, metal machining, musical composition and performance, into an immersive multimedia event. This paper describes the process of designing this orchestra, including examples of custom built musical robots.