What the heck is a Synthbee?
Synthbees are handheld, programmable soundmakers that react to movement, touch, heat, light, and…other sounds. Meant to be used by artists and non-artists alike, Synthbees encourage tactile exploration of both musical and extramusical group dynamics. Each Synthbee runs on an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express and a Teensy 3.2 to collect sensor data and turn it into audio and light. Each Synthbee runs on a custom framework (written in Arduino) and can store various “patch” settings for several pieces at a time. The Synthbee Enemble has performed their original repertoire at such esteemed venues as The Center for New Music, Coaxial Arts, Character Projects, and the Westben Center for Connection and Creativity.
