Beatrix The Amorphous Drum Ensemble v3.pdf

Beatrix: The Amorphous Drum Ensemble v3 Jonathan Bachrach MIT Amorphous Computing Seminar Fall, 2002 Abstract We present a model of an African drum ensemble. We develop a model of polyrhythms, their creation, and their goodness. We assume that drum- mers are distributed and autonomous and must coordinate their rhythms and timing amongst themselves. We introduce a new amorphous clus- tering algorithm and show that distributed temporal synchronization is possible under certain restrictions. We develop a suite of visualizations that provide key insights into the structure of polyrhythms. Finally, we present interactive mechanisms that allow users to participate in and in- vestigate polyrhythm evolution. 1 Introduction The goal of this project is to develop an understanding of the nature of African drum ensembles and to create an engaging interactive art installation modeling a drum ensemble. In an African drum ensemble, polyrhythms are created in a coordinated yet decentralized fashion. As an art installation, Beatrix permits users to interact through the introduction of their own beats, voices, and tempo changes. Beatrix is built as a matrix of 8-24 self-powered speakers mounted on a white panel with visualizations superimposed on top with a projector. The ensemble is composed of drummers performing solos or accompaniment. The accompa niment parts are simple rhythms composed of limited voices that together fuse into a parsimonious yet complex interlocking rhythm. Appropriate accompani ments are determined based on other accompaniments. Soloists perform highly syncopated rhythms that cut across this accompaniment foundation. Soloists are a