MetaTravels and MetaLonsdale: iPad apps for percussive improvisation

Abstract

Percussionists are unique among instrumentalists in that their artistic practice is defined by an approach to interaction rather than their instruments. While percussionists are accustomed to exploring non-traditional objects to create music, these objects have yet to encompass touch-screen computing devices to any great extent. The proliferation and popularity of these devices now presents an opportunity to explore their use in combining computer-generated sound together with percussive interaction in a musical ensemble. This interactivity demonstration presents two iPad-instruments developed in collaboration with Ensemble Metatone, a group formed to explore the "infiltration" of iPad apps into a free-improvisation percussion ensemble. The apps encourage the performers' exploration through percussive gestures and use network features to support cohesive improvisation.