Instant Compositions. Image courtesy the artist.

Instant compositions. Image courtesy the artist.

Instant Composer: Mad-libbed Music

Instantly write compositions at a computer kiosk (or from your phone) for an ensemble of improvising musicians. Each unique score is made up of phrases of text that explain what the musicians will play. It is put into a queue and played as if selected from a jukebox and then projected for the musicians to read. A projected timer signals when the piece begins and ends. Volunteers guide and provide instructions on how to write scores at the kiosk or using a smart phone. Finally, a projected spectral analysis visualization will enhance the projected score.

This project is produced by artist John Keston in collaboration with Art Institutes International Minnesota students, local improvising musicians, and the Northern Spark 2015 audience.

Participating students include:

Ariel Marie Brooks
Michael Brooks
Renae Ferrario
Meg Gauthier
Abram Long
Rene Placek
Valeria C. Sassi
Adam Schmid
Steven Wietecha

The ensemble includes:

Chris Cunningham (guitars)
Jon Davis (bass, bass clarinet, saxophones)
deVon “dVRG” Gray (bassoon, keyboards)
Rajiah Johnson (flute)
John Keston (keyboards)
Donny Martin (violin)
Thomas Nordlund (guitars)
Cody McKinney (bass)
Graham O’Brien (drums)
Adam Schmid (drums)

Artist John Keston performs and produces electronic music, develops new media, teaches interactive media, and founded AudioCookbook.org.