Teen Drop In: Build a Speaker with Devon Turnbull

Calling all high school students! Join multi‑disciplinary artist Devon Turnbull in a hands-on workshop to experiment with the building blocks of audio and create your own working speaker. Known under his creative pseudonym OJAS, Turnbull handcrafts high-fidelity audio systems designed to envelop the listener in sound that is as rich in texture as it is in emotion. Turnbull’s immersive sound installation, HiFi Pursuit Listening Room Dream No. 3, is currently on view at Cooper Hewitt.

In this hands‑on workshop, explore how a speaker is constructed and what makes it function. Working with individual components—the magnet, coil, and cone— you’ll assemble each part to build your own fully operating loudspeaker driver.

Teen Drop-In is a series of free, drop-in workshops for high school students exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset.

Media release form required for this workshop. Please have signed by a parent or guardian.

Teen Drop-In programs are developed for teens only; no adults are permitted.

• Format: This in-person program will be a hands-on design drop-in workshop (stay for as little or as much time as you like). No previous design experience is required. All materials are included.
• About the space: This program will take place in the galleries and in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be group seating at tables. There is an accessible restroom on the same floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
• Accommodations: If we can provide services to support your participation, email us at [email protected]. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

SPECIAL THANKS

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Generous support is also provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s Together We Thrive initiatives.

Info: Check in for Teen Drop-In in the lobby of the museum. You may arrive at any time, but arriving before 5 p.m. will ensure that you will have enough time to finish your project.

Info: Join multi‑disciplinary artist Devon Turnbull to experiment with the building blocks of audio and create your own working speaker!

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Host or Publisher Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum