Musical Swings Bring Strangers Into Sync At Detroit's Campus Martius
DETROIT (WWJ) - A specialized swing set is putting smiles on faces and music in the air at Detroit's Campus Martius Park.
Ten swings representing the harp, guitar, vibraphone, and piano play sounds as you swing back and forth. And when you swing in sync with the people next to you, you create a musical piece.
Sarah McKenzi of the Daily tous les jours, an interaction design studio, says the idea is to unify people in Detroit.
"The swings really invited people from different backgrounds to interact and collaborate," she told WWJ's Zahra Huber. "Music is so powerful — it's a great tool for bringing people together."
St. Clair Shores resident, 8-year-old Tessa Brown, had fun trying them out when they opened to the public on Thursday. "It's really cool because you never have a chance to have, like, swings with music and lights!" she said.
Her brother Logan added, "I like it. I don't really like music that much, but I prefer, like, piano music or slower music."
Fair warning: It may bring out the kid in you.
"I haven't been on a swing in probably 15, 20 years; and I'm just having a great time," said Ferndale resident Michelle Giorlando, who works downtown.
"I've talked to more people in the last 20 minutes than I have in a while just being outside. So, it's fun to sync up with everyone, make the music, it's just fun."
'The Swings" traveling installation will be at Campus Martius until May 8.
