Vol. 1 No. 2 November 9, 1990

Song Swimmer Project Update: The Song Swimmer project plan continues to evolve: Phase I. A pure acoustic interface is being developed that allows dolphins to control both instruments and computers directly with their voices. We are exploring the use of a MIDI instrument called the Vocalizer which converts pitch information to MIDI output. The process works well with Orca and humpback whale sounds. To our knowledge, this is the first time that whale sounds have been directly converted to musical data. Charles Lucy is analyzing these sounds to determine the scales dolphins use. We will then tune our instruments to the dolphin's natural scales. MIDI representations of Orca and Humpback played as synthetic music sound quite lovely. The MIDI output of the Vocalizer can be processed directly by computer, giving us the option of using single notes or patterns of notes to control synthesizers or other devices. Phase II. John Gibbon and Thomas Hubble have created an instrument called the Shadow Dancer. Two dozen photosensors arranged in a ring. As a person moves, shadows falling on the photosensors trigger music. The existing instrument can be waterproofed and used almost as a Song Swimmer. We have arranged to lease a Shadow Dancer for use with dolphins. An array of optical fibers are to be arranged in an arc under the water to conduct light to the Shadow Dancer keeping sensitive equipment dry. The dolphin's head, body or flipper movement will trigger musical notes. The resulting music is played through underwater speakers to the dolphin. As additional feedback to the dolphin, lights near each photocell are turned on when it is shadowed. The dolphins will be able to both play the photosensors while vocalizing to trigger other sounds, much like one can sing while playing the guitar. The results will be recorded using video, DAT recorders and by storing MIDI data in a computer. We will also have a hydrophone to record the dolphins' sounds. We will complete instrument development in the next few weeks and then plan to explore what happens when the Orcas, Belugas and Pacific Whiteside dolphin at the Vancouver Aquarium play with our instruments. We invite you to contact us at the address below with your ideas and enthusiasm. Come play with us.