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Hampton University Project Team

Jam Logo and Header artwork by Kia Jackson.

Jam2: Hands-on, Plugged in

Visualize the qualities of great jazz music. What's behind that sound? Through a grant from the Motorola Foundation's Innovation Generation, Hampton University's Museum and its School of Engineering and Technology continue to bring jazz, art, and engineering together. The leading edge of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and the arts have more in common than some might think.

Teams of students at several HBCU campuses will construct a theramin–an early synthesizer. Through the love of music and play, students will learn about the physics and aesthetics of sound, electronics, and engineering design. Teams will use jazz and hip hop techniques like improvisation to move beyond the "how to."

The Competition

Competing HBCU students will:

  1. Participate in a web conference with Pierce Freelon, Eric Sheppard, and Toni Wynn.
  2. Build a theramin: an electronic musical instrument played by moving the hands in its electromagnetic fields. Students will collaborate on building the theramin while learning how the device synthesizes sound.
  3. Analyze the microphone, speaker, and amplifier inside electrical instruments of sound.
  4. Use electric and electronic means to design a device that produces and/or modifies musical sounds.
  5. Produce and submit a video explaining the team’s R & D process and how the device enhances music.

The winning team gets a cash prize and a consultation with performance artist and musician Pierce Freelon about using their device in performance.

Members of the other two teams will receive subscriptions to the International Review of African American Art and Motorola accessories.

Innovation = passion, courage, knowledge, and improvisation.
Jam Session. STEM + Arts = STEAM.

For more information, please contact us.

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