The Instruments

The Radio Baton and Conductor Program are a system aimed at providing a
more expressive way of performing on synthesizers. The Radio Baton allows the
performer to freely move two batons in three-dimensional space above a sensor box.
The sensors trace the locations of the ends of the batons and send their x, y, and z
coordinates to a computer which is programmed to interpret the performer’s gestures
in a musically useful way. The Conductor Program is a sequencer program which
automatically supplies the sequence of pitches and durations, in beats, of the notes to
be played. However, expressive factors are not automated, but controlled entirely by
the performer. Typically, the performer will beat time with one baton to control
tempos and microtempos. The other baton is often used to shape the overall dynamics,
balance the loudness and brightness between individual voices, and shape the
envelopes of individual notes.

Acknowledgements

For this concert, the state-of-the-art Berklee Performance Center sound system is
being bypassed in order to showcase BOSE sound reinforcement equipment. The BVO
would like to thank the BOSE Corporation for supplying the extraordinary sound
system for tonight’s concert. Without the clarity and transparency of the BOSE sound,
the whole concept of a virtual orchestra would be virtually impossible to experience!

Thanks to Robin Coxe-Yeldham, Beth Ford, Reggie Lofton, and Tom Riley for
their invaluable assistance in coordination, programming, presentation, and documen-
tation of the concert. Thanks also to Mark Mayfield and Tom Wilson from BOSE.
Thanks to KAT for their MIDI mallet controller. Thanks to GHS Music Products and
Steve Shepard for Sybil. And a special thanks to President Lee Eliot Berk for his faith,
his vision, and his support.

—Richard Boulanger

Berklee

COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Where careers in music begin.