Weird theremin instrument plays sci-fi

It's the "daddy of weird instruments." That's what will be featured at Auburn Symphony concerts Nov. 2 and 3.Guest artist Jeffrey Tobin may startle audiences at concerts by playing a theremin. Theremin? Yes, a strange, electronic instrument played by not touching it that produces an eerie music often used in science fiction movies — a fitting sound for his performances of the main theme from the '60s "Star Trek" TV series in a program titled "Symphony in Space.""Most everyone has heard the theremin in the 'Star Trek' theme, but few know what made the strange sound," Tobin said. "It's played by the movement of the hands in relation to two small antennas. It's as strange to watch as it is to hear." Tobin's interest in the theremin stems from his lifelong passions for science, science fiction, and creativity, dating back to his childhood. "I suppose the theremin is a physical representation of both the science and creativity that are significant parts of who I am. It doesn't hurt that most every science fiction movie from my childhood relied on the theremin to create an eerie atmosphere," he said.Tobin is a professional leadership speaker with decades of experience in various entrepreneurial endeavors. Composing and musical performing are his avocations. Besides the theremin, he enjoys playing the nose flute, jaw harp, washtub bass, and ukulele."Perhaps the instrument I enjoy the most is the theremin," Tobin said. "It's often called the most difficult instrument to play. I don't know if that's true, but playing it well is very challenging. Unlike any other instrument, the theremin is significantly affected by its surroundings — its proximity to other objects, temperature, humidity, even the hydration of the player. I once performed on a theremin wearing a cuff link I had not worn during rehearsals. It threw my entire performance off — quite embarrassing!" The instrument is named after its inventor, Léon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928. Called "the daddy of weird instruments," its use marked one of the first times electronics contributed to creating music. Its eerie sound was used, for instance, in Miklós Rózsa's soundtrack for "Spellbound" and "The Lost Weekend," and Bernard Herrmann's soundtrack for "The Day the Earth Stood Still." "The instrument takes an incredibly steady hand and body and even breathing," Tobin said. "There's nothing to give stability, such as a neck on a stringed instrument, so even the slightest body movements have a profound effect on each note. Because of these aspects, perhaps the most important element in playing the theremin is having a good musical ear. It gives me great joy to use music as a means to give joy to others."Besides Tobin's take on "Star Trek" music, the concert includes selections from Holst's "The Planets," and John Williams' flying theme from "E.T." The entire second half consists of "Star Wars" selections by John Williams.