In the heart of Lawrence, Kansas, a group of dedicated researchers, musicians, and individuals passionate about the Adaptive Use Musical Instrument (AUMI) have found solace and creativity. After a challenging three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, these enthusiasts marked August 10th, 2023, as a significant day – the day they joyfully reunited for a long-awaited jam session. This reunion not only celebrated their shared love for music, but also highlighted the transformative potential of AUMI as a tool for expression, healing, and community building.

The AUMI Experience and its Transformative Power 

The Adaptive Use Musical Instrument, or AUMI, is not just a musical software interface; it's a conduit for creativity that transforms movement into sound. Designed with inclusivity in mind, AUMI empowers individuals with diverse physical abilities to participate in musical expression. By tracking the slightest gestures, AUMI allows people who may have limited traditional musical abilities to create captivating melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Its impact reaches far beyond music, touching the lives of those who find their voices through this innovative technology.

AUMI's Role During the Pandemic

The onset of the pandemic brought a halt to in-person gatherings, disrupting the Lawrence AUMI community's regular jam sessions. The absence of these sessions left a void in the lives of participants, who had come to rely on music-making as a form of emotional release and social connection. However, the spirit of the AUMI community persevered, with members exploring virtual collaborations and remote music creation to stay connected during the challenging times.

The Joyful Reunion

As restrictions lifted, August 10th, 2023, became a date of immense significance. The Lawrence AUMI community reconvened for a jam session filled with palpable excitement and emotion. Participants who hadn't physically seen each other in years found themselves reuniting with shared laughter and an eagerness to create music once again. The jam session was a testament to the enduring bonds forged through music and the resilience of the human spirit.

The reunion marked not only a celebratory moment but also a rekindling of musical journeys. With AUMI as their guide, the Lawrence community members expressed their individual and collective stories through melodies that transcended words. The jam session served as a reminder of the power of music to uplift, inspire, and heal, reinvigorating the participants' dedication to their craft.

To listen to what they created in this last session, titled "Back to Valhalla," visit here!

AUMI and the Lawrence Community

Beyond its immediate participants, the AUMI community's impact resonates throughout Lawrence. Through their shared passion for AUMI, these individuals have cultivated a safe and welcoming space where creativity knows no bounds. The community's ethos revolves around inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and celebrating diversity. As the community opens its arms wider, it actively seeks new members to join the musical journey, inviting anyone intrigued by the intersection of music and technology to contribute their unique perspective.

The Lawrence AUMI community is more than just a group of musicians and researchers; it's a collective united by the transformative power of music and technology. With their recent reunion as a testament to the strength of their bonds, the community is actively seeking new members to join their harmonious endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned musician, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the fusion of music and movement, the Lawrence AUMI community welcomes you with open arms.

The renewed jam sessions of the Lawrence AUMI community serves as a heartening tale of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic-induced hiatus, these enthusiasts have reconnected, reinforcing the importance of their shared passion and the transformative impact of AUMI. As they continue their melodic journey, they extend an invitation to all to join hands, hearts, and movements, celebrating the harmony that emerges when music and technology intertwine in the heart of Lawrence, Kansas.

If you or anyone you know is in search of or is interested in updates on all things AUMI/jam sessions, please visit this link to sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As it stands, the next jam session, which is open to anyone in the community, will occur on Wednesday, September 27th in the Lawrence Public Library's Sound+Vision Studio from 4:00-6:30PM. To see other future scheduled dates, you can also visit https://aumi.ku.edu/current-events, where there are constant updates on performances, publications and presentations, and so much more.

If you'd like to explore the app for yourself, you can do it for free! Download now to dive in!