Saxophone augmentation: an hybrid augmented system of gestual symbiosis

This paper discusses a two-layer augmentation strategy applied to a saxophone. Augmented instruments are defined as "acoustic (sometimes electric) musical instruments extended by the addition of several sensors, providing performers the ability to control extra sound or musical parameters". The first layer of augmentation is directly connected to the instrument and is based on several sensors (ribbon, trigger, pressure, accelerometer, gyroscope and keypad). The second layer is associated to the performer, who wears a MYO Armband. The second layer, devised initially to capture gestural data, is used to provide information for musical communication and creation, as performer gestures are perceived by the audience at the same time as they characterise and distinguish performer strategies. This paper also explores how this system can serve for the adaptation of existing pieces using electronics and external devices. Finally, we discuss how notation and composition are affected by this type of instruments.