2012 Midwest Composers Symposium

A consortium of composers from the
Universities of Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music

Hosted by the University of Iowa
Center for New Music
David Gompper, director

Paper Presentations
Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 13.30 to 15.00
UCC Break Room

Indiana University
"What Kind of Music Do You Write?"
Jay Hurst & Ben Taylor

The words we use to talk about our music and the ways we present that music have a powerful effect on audience perception. From attempting to answer the typical cocktail party question ("so what kind of music do you write?"), to choosing a performance venue, to distribution of music via the internet, it is crucial that composers are aware of the effect the presentation of their music has on their public image.

University of Iowa
"Dancing about Music"
Jason Palamara & Will Huff

This semester, composers Jason Palamara and Will Huff are collaborating with the University of Iowa's Dance Department on a new work that will be premiered on November 29th and run through December 1st. The presenters will discuss how their show has evolved over the semester, working alongside choreographers, dancers, and stage managers.

University of Michigan
"Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Creativity: The MiND Ensemble"
David Biedenbender

This presentation will look at the benefits and challenges of collaborating with other, often seemingly disparate, disciplines, using the MiND Ensemble (Music in Neural Dimensions) as a case study. The MiND Ensemble is a group at the University of Michigan that brings together students and faculty in many different programs, including music performance, music composition, computer engineering, design science, biomedical engineering, biology, performing arts technology, and art design and design.

University of Cincinnati
CiCLOP: The Cincinnati Composers Laptop Orchestra Project
Drew Dolan & Steve Weimer

Performing in a laptop ensemble is a valuable experience for a composer. Elements of sound processing, live interaction, and real-time programming each feed into a performing environment that is like no other. Our presentation will focus on our experience with the Cincinnati Composers Laptop Orchestra Project (CiCLOP), a student-run ensemble directed by Joel Matthys. We will discuss the programs and equipment used in the ensemble, as well as different performances that have taken place.