Archive for Scratch Orchestra

CM18 (Graphic)

Posted in Duos, Scores, Themes with tags , , on February 18, 2012 by glenncbach
c_cm18_graphic

score by Christopher May, A Scratch Orchestra: Draft Constitution

The score Ted and I used for our 5 minute performance as part of Scratch Orchestra: Pilgrimage from Scattered Points. The notes for the score:

Coloured lines in four colours zigzag along in apparently random fashion like erratic markings on a temperature chart. Sometimes three are interwoven, sometimes two. They proceed from left to right through five systems. Sometimes a line abruptly changes colour. The following is a description of the sequence of events: Top system, line 1: green to yellow to red. 2: blue. 3: (starts two thirds along) green. Second system, 1: red. 2: blue to yellow. 3: green. third system, 1: red (ends halfway along). 2: yellow. 3: green. Fourth system, 1: (starts after an inch or so) blue. 2: yellow 3: green to red. Bottom system, 1: blue (ends a couple of inches before the end of the system). 2: (starts halfway along) green. 3: red.

Obviously we were working from a photocopy of the score as it appeared in the book, and so all color information was lost. What happens when you approach a structure with only some of the information? At what point does the score disappear and pure improvisation take over? Was the score merely a node of data to inform the context of the performance?

Glenn Bach and Ted Byrnes

Posted in Duos with tags , , on February 18, 2012 by glenncbach
byrnes_scratch

Ted Byrnes as part of Sound. at Fiesta Hall, Pilgrimage from Scattered Points.

The first set in Atlas Sets has been scheduled: Tuesday, February 28, with Ted Byrnes in Pasadena. I met Ted in Eagle Rock at the rehearsal for the Scratch Orchestra event sponsored by SASSAS. After pairing up for one of the small scores, we noticed an instant musical connection. The event itself was very successful and a lot of fun. Ted later invited me and Steuart Liebig to join him and Ari DeSano in the performance of their score, “5×5,” for another SASSAS-sponsored event at Kings Road Park Pavilion in West Hollywood.

Ted and I have been planning a duo jam ever since, and now our planning takes on extra layers of context as part of Atlas Sets.

More info, and documentation, to follow.