<\/p>\nHere is The Beamz music performance system:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From Reuters (link no longer available):<\/p>\n
\n[The Beamz is a] pioneering invention that allows people to make music by interacting with light and sound. [It was] created by accomplished musician and songwriter Jerry Riopelle.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Apparently Riopelle was inspired by a light-activated door announcer at his local ice cream shop.<\/p>\n
\nHis years of tinkering resulted in a breakthrough product that uses six laser beams like strings. Players simply pass their hands through each beam to trigger streams of musical notes or sounds. Each performance produces an original composition
\nand the patented software ensures that the music played always will be harmonious, no matter which beam is engaged.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSimilarities with The Theremin<\/h2>\n
The Beamz reminds me of the theremin<\/a>, an early 20th century instrument that consisted of 2 antennae. Theremins have been used in many popular songs. From Wikipedia:<\/p>\n
\nTo play [the theremin], the player moves his hands around the antennas, controlling frequency (pitch) and amplitude (volume).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
And that, folks, is where the mathematics is embedded in this story. See more on music frequencies<\/a> and amplitude<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe theremin, played by Lydia Kavina, protegee of inventor Leon Theremin. Image source<\/a><\/p>\nThe Beamz is a sophisticated re-visit of the theremin concept.<\/p>\n
And now, the movie<\/h2>\n
Here's a performance using the Beamz.<\/p>\n
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![\"theremin\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/images\/2008\/05\/theremin.jpg\" "\\"theremin\\"")