Stars on Thars: A Solo Performance in Cross-Media

Stars on Thars: A Solo Performance in Cross-Media

Grant:
Lecturers' Professional Development Fund (LPDF)
Academic Year:
2012 - 2013 (June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013)
Funding Requested:
$2,000.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
munk
Overview of the Project:
In the multimedia performance "Tri0" I co-composed, programmed and performed a collaborative work that investigated the nature of improvisation and interactivity in cross-media performance. The primary line of inquiry explored how different forms of media, when performing together in an interactive, real-time context, can incorporate "soloist" roles, support roles and composed and improvised parts in the same manner as an ensemble of human acoustic musicians. The media utilized included audio (vocals, live trumpet, live drums and electronics performed using Ableton Live), still image, video, and light, all of which were manipulated in real time by three performers, or controlled by each other using programmed triggers. In creating the piece, I worked with two jazz musicians who played trumpet and drums. We explored the ways improvising musicians create structure through harmonic and rhythmic systems, through assigned roles within the band and by interpreting and manipulating pre-composed information while simultaneously creating new content on the spot. In the "Tri0" performance, changes in audio created reactive changes in the projection, which in turn cued reactions by the drummer. Different media elements led the ensemble at different moments, while the other elements supported—and yet, at other times, we discovered collective improvisation amongst the elements. The final performance took place in North Quad's Space 2435.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:

1) To compose and perform a cross-media piece in which specific functions are assigned to different mediums playing together as an ensemble using varying degrees of improvised and pre-composed material. 2)To create video documentation of the performance for use in future multimedia performance courses taught at University of Michigan. 3)To engage in dialogue with fellow U-M faculty and students about the process and performance immediately after the performance of the piece on campus.

Project Achievements:

In my course Multimedia Performance students learn the tools to create their own pieces of multimedia and/or cross media performances, after studying the history of multimedia and exploring contemporary works. As an instructor, I feel it is vital that I continue to push the boundaries and explore what is possible in my own creative work, in order to both demonstrate to students that the realm of possibilities is ever expanding, and to foster meaningful conversations about the process, challenges and strategies for creating this type of work. My performance with “Tri0” allowed me to accomplish all of these things.

Continuation:
The “Tri0” ensemble continues to rehearse and work towards future performances.
Dissemination:
This project has been an incredible learning experience for me and in retrospect I would have created more documentation during the process (e.g. a blog with photos, videos and reflections). At the end of the performance there was a talk-back session in which I was able to share the experience and process with colleagues in attendance, and I also intend to share footage from the performance on my Vimeo channel.
Advice to your Colleagues:
As stated above, I think my biggest recommendation to colleagues in the performing arts would be to document not only the final performance but also the process of collaboration and creation. The biggest challenge I encountered in my personal process was trying to address or communicate a specific theme. In my original vision for the piece I planned to use the children’s book “The Sneetches” as the work that is played, interpreted, and improvised upon. This was conceived before having had the opportunity to practice in depth with the technology I was using in collaboration with other musicians. In other words, I came to realize that after designing and refining the instruments I would use as the technologist in the ensemble, I then needed to practice with those tools at great length to arrive at the point where I could be expressive and creative. Assigning a “theme” to the piece before I ever endeavored to start the process of designing and practicing my instruments turned out to be a hindrance to the overall creative process, and in the end, I chose to abandon the original theme.
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