Wii Are The Music Makers
8 April 2008
Brad Porter and Matt Trevor
This promises to be a fantastic event and we will be delighted to welcome as many people as possible who want to come and take part
”Stephanie Marsland, Programme Leader for the BSc Multimedia Technology and Music Production course.
Interactive computer console Wii has gripped the nation in recent months – now it’s set to take centre stage in a unique music event at the University of Derby.
More familiar as the console used to play virtual tennis, football and other sports from the comfort of your living room, students at the University of Derby have harnessed the technology of Wii to create a musical spectacular.
As students generate a video and music extravaganza – members of the audience will be able to use Wii controls to add extra bass sounds or other extras to the performance – effectively acting as a ‘third member’ of the band.
It’s one of the attractions at the end-of-year showcase being developed by students on the BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Music Production course. Members of the public are being invited to visit the University of Derby’s £21m Markeaton Street site this week and next week to look at the various attractions on show, which also include virtual drums and a Big Piano.
Stephanie Marsland, Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Music Production course, said: “This promises to be a fantastic event and we will be delighted to welcome as many people as possible who want to come and take part.
“Students will bring together different media in the production of a complete multimedia performance product of their own design. This can be through the use of multi-channel audio and video locked together with a timeline or the ability to trigger video clips, flash animations on multiple screens synced to a musical performance.”
Two of the students masterminding the Wii console event are 24-year-old Brad Porter from Seymour Close, Derby, and 25-year-old Matt Trevor from Sherwin Street, Derby.
Brad, who has also just accepted a job as a quality assurance technician at West Midlands based computer games firm Codemasters once he finishes his course, said: “This is a crucial project for our final year of work and we are looking forward to the event.
“It promises to be a fantastic interactive event where members of the public will have the opportunity to take part in the production and use the Wii controls to add extra sound and visual effects to our performance.”
Brad and Matt’s team have taken advantage of the creative communications licensing guidelines to get clearance to use a range of video images from broadcasters for the event, as well as creating a graphics video.
Visitors to the event over the next two weeks will see:
‘Wii are the Music Makers’
An interactive installation, running live visuals, interactive lighting and sound. Come and conduct a performance all using Wii and ‘numchuck’ remotes on Wednesday 9 April in Auditorium 3 at Markeaton Street. Performances and technical tours are 3pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
‘BIG’ Piano keys
Come and play on our BIG piano. A cross between Dance Revolution arcade machine and the foot triggered keyboard in the Tom Hanks film ‘Big’. This interactive installation, challenges you to play this giant piano. This takes place on Wednesday 16 April in Auditorium 3 at Markeaton Street. Performances and technical tours are 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Drum Lights
If you have wanted to learn to play drums, try this interactive drum tuition program. Using a real kit triggering sound and lights, follow the tuition program and learn to play drums. This takes place on Wednesday 16 April in Auditorium 3 at Markeaton Street. Performances and technical tours are 10am and 11.30am.
Virtual Drum
If you play air drums try this interactive drum program using ‘eyes web’ to triggering your virtual kit put your ‘hands in the hands in the air’ watch sound and lights, follow your movements. This takes place on Wednesday 23 April in Auditorium 4 at Markeaton Street. Performances and technical tours are midday and 3.30pm.
Interactive DVDs and Flash Animations
A selection of interactive films, animations and educational software will be available to test and explore at Markeaton Street in room 120. From ‘Film Noir’ to ‘Shoot em up’ interactive films, you decide what happens next. Interactive flash games and DVD tutorials designed to enhance learning on Monday 14 April at Markeaton Street, between 12pm–2pm.
Electronics and Sound – come and see what we do best. For more details telephone Stephanie Marsland on 01332 593160 or email: s.marsland@derby.ac.uk.
-ends-
For more information about this news release, contact Simon Butt, Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023, or email: s.butt@derby.ac.uk.
This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942, or email: s.redfern@derby.ac.uk.
