Andrey Smirnov :: workshops

This intensive workshop offers hands-on introduction to the favorite Leon Theremin's idea of monitoring of very small  variations of the specific parameters of the physical objects.

In the lectures, which accompany a workshop, Andrei Smirnov introduce different researches into small scale vibrations of objects using laser monitoring systems, thermo-delays, interferometers, and other sensors for measuring and monitoring variations of sound waves, light beams, temperature, air flows, mechanical vibrations. Those techniques can be used to create sound from wind and air flow, flame, water, body movement and gesture, light, paper, wax, clay, graphics and painting, electromagnetic fields, space radiation etc., to produce unusual feedbacks, cross-media interferences and interactions, which can be used in musical composition, performance and installations.

In the practical part of the workshop Andrei Smirnov will introduce his laser monitoring system, based on the same principle as the famous "Buran" eavesdropping system, developed by Leon Theremin in 1945 for KGB. He has used a radio-location system based on directed microwave radiation for monitoring the hidden acoustical vibrations of windows. The same principle is realized by means of the recent laser technology. As a result, we can monitor and listen to inaudible vibrations in all kinds of  reflecting media: membranes, liquids, solid objects, the water surface, bubbles, plastic bags, piano decks, wine glasses etc. to produce unusual feedbacks, cross-media interferences and interactions. It's a kind of sound/light alchemy, a play with materials and chemical processes.

The workshop is oriented on sound artists and media artists as well as composers and musicians, involved in contemporary music, having particular interest in sound art, musical technology and history. The lectures, which accompany a workshop, have a very condensed historical content, mostly related to almost forgotten historical facts.

=Participants will learn=

=the concept of Hidden Sound;
=phisical nature of processes which could carry useful vibrations;
=how to detect and mesure them;
=what information could we get and how to deal with it;
=historical overview of different aproaches and applications;
=phisical and technical details regarding the monitoring of the small vibrations;
=basic principles of operation and construction of the laser monitoring systems;
=art and music applications of laser monitoring systems;
=possibilities to produce unusual feedbacks and interferences;
=ways to integrate them in musical performance, dance, video, sound and art installations;
=how to perform on it?
=practical result oriented training.

=Schedule=

Day#1

Kick off. Participants will learn and try some basic features of the system, based on reflecting objects, already prepaired by instructor.  
10:00 - 11:00 - Kick off: theoretical introduction: history, aesthetics, technology
11:00 - 12:00 - questions/coffee break
12:00 - 14:00 - workshop
14:00 - 15:00 - break
15:00 - 17:00 - workshop

Day#2

Participants bring their own objects to experiment with.
10:00 - 11:00 - Theoretical Introduction: history, aesthetics, technology
11:00 - 12:00 - questions/coffee break
12:00 - 14:00 - workshop
14:00 - 15:00 - break
15:00 - 17:00 - workshop (Participants should bring their own materials and antennas to experiment with)

Day#3-4

Participants, individually or in collaboration, are developing some installations and performances for the final presentation.
10:00 - 11:00 - Theoretical Introduction: history, aesthetics and technology
11:00 - 12:00 - questions/coffee break
12:00 - 14:00 - workshop
14:00 - 15:00 - break
15:00 - up to presentation - workshop

Last day

Evening (time will be announced)
=final presentation of results

=Requirements=

Participants should have some (very few) knowledge in optics and acoustics. Just few.
No computers required.

The laser monitoring system for testing, experimenting and performance will be provided by instructor. 
The workshop is oriented on a small group of 4-5 people. Biger group also possible, but some participants won't have good enough posibility to try the system and finish their installation.
The lectures are opened for everybody .