Chiptune Marching Band: Presented simultaneously in Japanese and English

Chiptune Marching Band is an exploration of themes in resource use, creative culture, and ad-hoc community formation. It is a public workshop and performance for researchers, students, and the general public that has taken place in diverse international venues and events. In the workshop, participants are led through a presentation on concepts and basic knowledge of localized power resources and energy micro-generation approaches, technical knowledge of audio circuits, and participatory performance practice through performative "happening." Then they receive a kit of parts and some assistance with circuit building and instrument fabrication. With step-by-step instructions, they build a sensor-driven sound-making circuit powered by human and environmentally friendly resources. For instrument fabrication, they personalize their instruments in whatever way they choose with provided materials. Participants who finish the workshop discuss how to organize a public performance. Following the discussion, participants are organized into a "marching band" that parades through the streets as a public performance and spectacle. At the end of the march, participants take their instruments home.