Circuit Bending - June 13th
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9254

sku: CLS-09254
Description: Join us for a 4 hour Circuit Bending workshop put on by local
artist JanedaPain (aka Jane Crayton) and STEM-A. Through this class you will
explore the theories behind circuit bending and have an opportunity to learn and
try a few simple techniques in class. Bring a battery operated toy with you to
class, and we will show you how to circuit bend it. No previous electronics
knowledge necessary.

"Circuit bending is the creative short-circuiting of electronic devices such as
low voltage, battery-powered guitar effects, children's toys and small digital
synthesizers to create new musical or visual instruments and sound generators."

Yesterdays toys and discarded electronics are today being hacked, and
reprogrammed to work with computer generated codes, which sequence audio and
even video from some of these items. Experimental Electronic artists around the
world are looking to re-appropriate these antique digital items for digital
manipulation into their live performances. This class aims to research the
theory and practice of circuit bending, while challenging the students to create
their own circuit bent creations.

Phase 1: Introduction and Theory

Participants will explore the theory and practice of:

* History of circuit bending and re-appropriation of discarded electronic
mediums
* Technical aspects to circuit bending
o Soldering (wires and connections on electronic boards)
o Programming (chips and cards)
o Engineering (how will it connect and be transmitted)
* Resources for circuit bending
* Circuit bending culture (Artists and perspectives)
* Hacking your medium

Phase 2: Practical Experience: Bending your childhood

Students will find discarded electronic items from their childhood, in which to
circuit bend. Working with the guide of the instructor they will seek to hack
and reprogram their electronic device for use in a live demonstration and
performance

Also students will have an opportunity to meet an artist who uses circuit bent
instruments to perform live.

Phase 3: Finishing Process and Perspectives

An evaluation and feedback session will be held so participants can have an
opportunity to improve in the future with regards to technique, skill, or style.
A final performance of students playing their circuit bent instruments will
complete the class.

Prerequisites: None! No previous knowledge required.
What to Bring: Please bring a battery operated toy. It actually doesn't even
have to function completely, but it should power up and do something.
Date: June 13th
Time: 10AM to around 2:30PM (Bring a snack or your lunch!)
Location: SparkFun
Instructors: Jane Crayton