PLANT SENTIENCE-
Can a plant chew gum
and ride a bicycle simultaneously?
David Lipson,
Joel Bakker and Kim Reasor
Oakestra
Electronically generated overtones driven by a simulated oak canopy and action potentials from a live plant, accompanied by acoustic guitar and percussion.
Audience particpation encouraged.
The Oakestra is an instrument designed to capture in sound the unique environment created under an oak tree canopy:
a shifting tapestry of dappled light filtering through swaying branches, a cool, moist refuge where leaf litter and deep roots enrich the soil.
Light and temperature control harmonics, a wind sensor creates a haunting siren, and a sonar range finder modulates percussive white noise as branches oscillate in the wind.
This performance is accompanied by guitars and percussion instruments, including some crafted from acorns and oak branches.

