alvin hill media ensemble [ongoing]

 

The media ensemble investigates the nature of improvisation and interactivity in cross-media performance. We question 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 acoustic musicians. The media utilized can include audio (vocals, trumpet, drums and electronics), still image, video, and light, all of which are manipulated in real time by three performers, or controlled by each other using programmed triggers. We explore 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. The ensemble transforms musical structures and systems into the visual realm, and examines specific sites by tailoring the projection surfaces and performance elements to the performance environment.