EMP’s Sound Lab Gallery to Hold Grand Reopening March 27

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 17, 2010 -
SEATTLE—After 10 years of the hard rock life, Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) is proud to announce the first major refresh of its award-winning and wildly popular Sound Lab gallery. The museum will hold a grand reopening of the space Saturday, March 27, 2010. Members will have first crack at playing in the renovated space during a Member Morning event from 8:30-10 a.m. that day. More information at http://
www.empsfm.org.

“When Sound Lab opened a decade ago, it showcased groundbreaking technologies—making it a unique music-making experience for visitors. It continues to be the only space like it in the world,” said Forrest Gibson, director of technology at EMP|SFM. “Beyond the normal equipment upgrades that are necessary to keep a state‐of‐the‐art interactive like Sound Lab current and performing at its best, content and feature upgrades were needed.”

Sound Lab was developed as a way for visitors—with a range of ages and musical backgrounds—to connect with the museum’s object-based exhibitions on a deeper, hands-on level. What makes Sound Lab different than today’s Rock Band and Guitar Hero? It’s the ability to learn to play music with real instruments, and allows the visitor to jam with others who are performing in real time.

Sound Lab’s multimedia interactives guide visitors through an exploration of the tools of rock 'n' roll. Visitors can learn how to play signature riffs; practice performance techniques; record a demo CD; scratch like a DJ; beat on the Jam-O-Drum; and jam with friends on guitars, basses, keyboards or drums at the interactive learning stations.

“We have numerous stories—from kids to adults—about being inspired to start playing an instrument after performing in Sound Lab,” said Christina Orr-Cahall, CEO and director of EMP|SFM. “The conception of Sound Lab was revolutionary and is one of the best examples of how the museum fosters innovation and creativity for visitors.”  

Specifics about the upgrade:

14 of the most popular music stations will be refreshed with improved content and an updated user experience. Visitors will be able to perform on new music gear and equipment such as new Fretlight guitars and KORG keyboards, electronic drum sets from Roland and acoustic drum sets from Drum Workshop.

A new “Beamz” interactive instrument will allow visitors to conduct air to create and perform music.

In addition to the powerful technical upgrades, there will be several esthetic improvements to the gallery including new carpeting, wall treatments and signage.

“Optek Music Systems is thrilled to have the Fretlight Guitar and its interactive technology play a significant role in the refresh to the Sound Lab," said Rusty Shaffer, CEO of Optek and inventor of the Fretlight. “Sound Lab visitors will now be able to experience the remarkable technological advances made to the Fretlight Guitar over the last 10 years, which make playing guitar—whether experienced with the instrument or not—a seamless, one-of-a-kind experience.”

Planning for the refresh began in late 2007 with the formation of several panels which included advisors from companies such as Microsoft, HP, Adobe and Google; a panel of musical technology experts; and members from the museum’s Youth Advisory Board. In addition, the visitor’s exhibition experience was evaluated by a third party, Randi Korn & Associates, Inc. in May 2008, which helped to further focus improvements to the upgrade.

A number of museum partners joined in to help support the upgrade—EMP|SFM would like to thank its generous Sound Lab sponsors: Optek Music Systems/Fretlight Guitar, Microsoft Corporation, KORG USA, Native Instruments, Drum Workshop, Roland, Ernie Ball, Installers Northwest, 4Culture, Shure Microphones, Zildjian, GHS Corporation, Mackie / LOUD Technologies, Remo Inc., and Big Bang Distribution.

In 2001, Sound Lab received several MUSE awards through The American Association of Museums, including the Media and Technology Committee in the Art Category, Gold (overall). The Sound Lab grand reopening is the first event to mark EMP|SFM’s year-long, 10-year anniversary celebration. EMP opened June 23, 2000.