So asks Lynsey Robinson, who works for the Sensory Trust, which is based in the Eden Project, Cornwall.
Lynsey recently found that the hearing-impaired could enjoy a music concert if given an inflated balloon to hold. The balloon amplified the vibrations and allowed the person to experience the concert in a new way.
So her question is: can we think of other imaginative ways for those with poor hearing to get more out of music and sound?
Answers on the back of a postcard in the comments, if you please.
Nod to Ruth Wilson, who also posted about this in the Women in Science forum.
Thanks for this Matt! There are some interesting ideas coming in at Lynsey’s blog on the UKRC website… One relates to the way in which if you are sat on seats held by scaffolding and the music is loud, you get the vibration through the seats. Another asks about ways vibration can make sound visible (instead of or as well as feelable). Lynsey says she once saw sound made visible in sand.
I am not a scientist, and struggle to think of which materials are amenable to transmitting vibration either to an individual, or a group/mass of people… art ideas welcome too!
This event might be of interest to Londoners:
We are challenging you to witness theatre which is accessible to both Hearing and Deaf audience members, although not shying away from dialogue.
Please open our attached letter to find out more about how Handprint Theatre, are giving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing an opportunity to experience the Fringe atmosphere, or take a look at our poster for the production which opens on Sunday!
With an integrated cast of Deaf and Hearing members, we look forward to meeting many of the Deaf and hearing theatre-enthusiasts around London, and discussing with them how we can take integrated theatre forward.
Therefore any support you can give us in promoting our performance Pistols and Pansies, and opportunity to meet other like-minded people in the area would be paramount to the success of the experience, giving the Camden Fringe a new Edge!
Look forward to your reply,
Handprint Theatre
Pistols and Pansies
CAMDEN FRINGE 09
Roundhouse Studio Theatre,
Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH
9-10-11-12 August 2009
1.30
All tickets £7.50
Ticket booking 08444 77 1000 or www.ticketweb.com
Cool idea!
When I was at school I went to a city-wide music centre on Saturday mornings. We had big concerts every 6 months or so, at which the various ensembles would take their turns to perform. I remember sitting next to the senior orchestra and concert band as they jointly performed Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (cannon sounds on tape), and feeling every single note through the body of my classical guitar. An incredible experience.