CLIENT: Blue Man Productions
LOCATION: New York, NY
DIMENSIONS: 44 x 31 x 36 > 216 x 60 x 42 in.
YEAR: 1997-present
BRIEF: The idiomatic centerpiece and principal melodic percussion organ for this globetrotting trio, the ‘PVC’ must be dynamic, musical, and cover 3+ octaves—the entire range of which should be internally balanced, every tube-end focused on a shared point for even amplification. Additional challenges particular to each production must be considered—offstage space, harmony with the scenic design, automation, casing and transport for touring, etc—while maintaining a majestic bearing.
SOLUTION: By developing an array of software tools to help arrange a library of pipe fittings, calculate pitches for any given layout, and render the result as 3D images, assembly instructions, and a practice MIDI instrument, we were able to freely adapt both the note layout and the physical form of this large musical instrument to meet Blue Man Group’s dynamic needs.
LOCATION: New York, NY
DIMENSIONS: 44 x 31 x 36 > 216 x 60 x 42 in.
YEAR: 1997-present
BRIEF: The idiomatic centerpiece and principal melodic percussion organ for this globetrotting trio, the ‘PVC’ must be dynamic, musical, and cover 3+ octaves—the entire range of which should be internally balanced, every tube-end focused on a shared point for even amplification. Additional challenges particular to each production must be considered—offstage space, harmony with the scenic design, automation, casing and transport for touring, etc—while maintaining a majestic bearing.
SOLUTION: By developing an array of software tools to help arrange a library of pipe fittings, calculate pitches for any given layout, and render the result as 3D images, assembly instructions, and a practice MIDI instrument, we were able to freely adapt both the note layout and the physical form of this large musical instrument to meet Blue Man Group’s dynamic needs.
