MYtrOmbone: exploring gesture controlled live electronics in solo trombone performance

MYtrOmbone is an interactive system that empowers a trombonist to manipulate live electronic processing by analysis of the slide position engaged. ThesystemisdesignedanddevelopedatIntegraLabusing a Thalmic Labs Myo armband worn on the right forearm as a control device. MyoMapper software translates armband data to OSC messages, and a machine learning system extrapolates trombone positions from the incoming OSC data. These positions are then mapped in Integralive software to audio signal processing that is controlled by the trombonist. This paper presents the musical context that has led to the development of the system, outlines the way that the system works and its application within the first piece composed for the first incarnation of the software, 146 Lucina, and suggests further work to undertake to develop and refine the system in the future.