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We have used piezo sensors, which sense impact, in one of our pieces. These sensors are typically connected to commercially available MIDI drum "brains" used by drummers or percussionists with electronic drum pads. (For example, the Alesis D4, which is no longer in production but widely available on ebay.) When piezo sensors plugged into such a device are struck they produce MIDI Note On messages that can be read by a computer program. The program will then send messages to whatever media devices are being controlled to produce the desired result. One of the nice features of these sensors is that they sense how hard you hit them, information that can be used to determine how the media under control is manipulated.
In our work Bank/Perspective 1 we mounted piezo sensors inside of a set piece that consisted of a 20" cube with a slope cut into the front side. In the dance, the performers relentlessly arc across the stage, each stepping on (or otherwise touching) the set piece. Each time they touch the box, the musical score would intensify and change key. Commands were simultaneously sent to a LaserDisc player to recall specific video images. |
