Logo for The Collaboratory Outdoor Music Deck with a stylized face with a beard and afro in the letter 'O' of 'Collaboratory'.

TheCollaboratory Outdoor Music Deck (TCOMD) is the ultimate mobile tool for delivering unique, customizable musical experiences, designed for those who are both ambitious and curious about DIY music composition. Led by TERRELL X, TCOMD arrives as a trailer, unfolding to transform any gathering into an event that fosters collaboration, skill development, and sound-driven fun for all.

Inspired by the 1984 Transformers cartoon, where Optimus Prime's semi-truck trailer revealed the "Combat Deck" battle station, TCOMD is a rugged, steel platform that houses a portable sound system. It invites attendees to take the stage and explore the art of creating music on the spot—whether using traditional instruments or not—turning every moment into a creative, collaborative experience.

A smiling man with gray beard and hair wearing a black T-shirt with a white logo and text, giving a thumbs-up gesture, with two boys in the background at an outdoor event. The boys are wearing black hoodies with graphic designs, one has sunglasses and a cap, and are holding colored paddles. There is a large banner with partial text and a graphic, and equipment including pedals and cables on the table.
A manstands next to three boys on a stage. The boys are looking down at music or equipment, one in a red and black t-shirt, another in a gray hoodie, and the third in a bright green star wars t-shirt. There are speakers and audio equipment on the stage, and outdoor trees and a building are visible in the background.
Outdoor sidewalk sign promoting a free event, with details about a music deck event scheduled for September 15 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., including a description of the event and registration instructions, with a building in the background and a no parking sign nearby.

Transform.

Inform.

Perform.

A music stage setup featuring a blue speaker, pedalboard, and power cords in front of a backdrop with the logo and text indicating The Laboratory outdoor music deck.
A flatbed trailer with a ramp parked outside a warehouse with signs reading "MAKE-IT MAC'S" and "MAKERSPACE". Inside the warehouse, shelves and equipment are visible, with some bags and items on the ground outside.
A man with a microphone on a small outdoor stage, flanked by a woman and a girl, is speaking to or performing for three children watching in front. The event is outdoors with a banner that says 'The Collaboratory Outdoor Music Deck.'

How it works

A typical event with The Collaboratory Outdoor Music Deck involves participants watching TERRELL X deliver an interactive live performance, with guitar and vocal effects pedals. This performance basically doubles as a tutorial on Human Beat Boxing and how to turn their bodies into instruments. A no-judgment environment holds participant's attention - while breaking down barriers of apprehension and stage fright. Participants leave with complimentary TCOMD-branded hand instruments to take home (while supplies last), and further encouragement to pursue using the human body to compose music.

Programming for a full day includes the following: 

  • A performance by TERRELL X

  • History lesson on Hip-Hop culture

  • Human Beat Boxing basics, best-practice techniques, vocabulary, etc. 

  • Human Beat Boxing sound & rhythm composition instruction, using looping & effects pedals

  • Basic song writing exercises

  • Collaboration between TERRELL X and workshop attendees

  • Live performance skills building

  • All sound and power requirements are provided by TERRELL X

  • The outdoor trailer stage can hold up to 6 people at a time; the indoor platform can hold 3-4 people

  • Best to book between May - October…When Minnesota weather is “nice!”

  • Indoor option available

A man holding a microphone stands beside a speaker and music equipment during an outdoor event. Behind him is a black banner with a stress face logo and text that reads 'The Collaborative Outdoor Music Deck.'
A black and white logo featuring a human skull within a gear outline, with the text 'The Collaboratory' and 'Outdoor Music Deck' below.

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