"WYPYM": A Study for Feedback-Augmented Bass Clarinet

This paper explores the concept of co-creativity in a performance for feedback-augmented bass clarinet. The bass clarinet is augmented using a loudspeaker placed on the bell and a supercardiod microphone placed inside the instrument's body, allowing for the generation of feedback that is subsequently processed by a computational system to create new sound material. This feedback loop creates a symbiotic relationship between the performer and the electronics, resulting in the co-creation of the final piece, with the performer and the electronics influencing each other. The result is a unique and ever-evolving musical experience that poses interesting challenges to the traditional instrument--electronics and composer--opera relationship. This paper reports on both the hardware and software augmentation of the bass clarinet, and presents "WYPYM - Were you a part of your mother?", a piece written especially for this augmented instrument and its feedback system.