Monday, June 12, 2006
adventures in space and sound
The fundamental premise is that we compose works that are based on selected themes relating to astrophysics and metaphysics. These works will be performed at the Mawson Lakes Planetarium, hopefully, during the Fringe 2007.
The idea is to work as a collaborative in order to generate community spirit and networks for future projects. Whilst at the same time increasing exposure and experience for emerging artists, and raise money and awareness for Hope For A Generation Trust. A charitable trust established in 2005 to do charitable works in the community.
If you would like to be involved in the compositional workshops, scheduled for once a month at the Planetarium then contact us. The idea is to meet monthly and work on the compositions to prepare them for the particular acoustics of the space.
We will also delve into some contemplative practices to garner enthusiasm for the subtle side of life.
It is intended that there will be live performance occurring in at least some of the works presented. That being said, all live performance will occur in the darkness of the planetarium itself, thus posing a challenging question, 'Can you play in the dark?'.
The idea is to have fun and explore the creation of sound and the universe.
Some of the themes up for selection include:
Non-duality
Singularity
Creation
Evolution
Preservation
Dissolution
Entropy
Negentropy
Event Horizon
Feel free to come up with any themes you would like to see a composition made for.
This is a collective, not one person is in charge. That way, with all our enthusiasm, direction and attention, this project will grow into something beautiful. As long as we cogitate clear of the ego and work for the greater good.
The name chosen so far - Jyotisha - is a Sanskrit term loosely translated as 'Astrology', but strictly speaking it is 'The Study of Light'.
Everyone involved will be asked to keep a type of journal (very informal) so we can produce a poster for each composition. This will be on display during the performance and also be included in the CDVD package, of which we intend to sell to raise money for charity and hopefully provide all who participate with a slice of the pie too.
The only things that need to be agreed to at this stage is a commitment to:
creating works of beauty and devotion to the Divine Principle
attending the monthly workshops
and actively pursuing funding, promotions and hiring of equipment.
Total creative freedom awaits you - as long as you can justify during the workshops that your creation fits the theme you are working on.
Each work will be approximately 15 mins in duration.
There is no limit to the number of people who can work on a song, or the number of individuals/groups who choose the same theme.
So fire up and get on board. 9 months is not that far away.
The first workshop is scheduled for sometime in July. TBA.
Stay tuned earthlings.
Hi Tyrell, thanks for the feedback.
I appreciate your concerns and I'm happy to clarify my intentions for you.
I'm quite happy to be seen as a director. The impression I'm trying to convey is that we should work together to make this happen. I'm hoping to 'include' people in the development of this project. Of course, feel free to come to me with any questions...I'm hoping though that others will step up and get involved.
I like to do things like this with others. I feel the group vibe is essential. Collaborating is exciting , it is great to get outside of our own sets of headphones and do stuff with others. The main reason is that we are much more effective together. If some people pull out then it makes the process easier to continue when there is a group working together to make something happen ,instead of one person running around frantically.
Don't worry, this is my idea, and I intend to be involved 100%.
For example, I've come up with an idea. Met someone who runs the planetarium, found some crew who want to write songs and perform them, got help waiting to design CDVD pamphlets/websites, free catering for the night(s).
If some other people are keen then I have a list of bodies who have money to give us to cover our costs.
I will post them here soon.
It's simply a matter of contacting them and presenting the idea. Already, there is particular interest and enthusiasm from certain groups who are keen to help out in some way with financial assistance. I believe the workshops will function as a focus, as well as, this blog and the future website that is in the pipeline.
It's all coming together seamlessly. It's all waiting for you and whoever else who seems like it's an idea worth exploring and devoting time and energy to get on board.
Of course you may feel apprehensive about the level you are prepared to commit to. I want this experience to be positive for everyone involved and not to be a drag. I'm not intending this to be arduous. None of us like to do things that aren't fun. It's meant to be about having fun, exploring sound, space, and making a name for ourselves.
It really isn't that big a hassle helping in organising something like this. Many hands make light work is the key...that's all mate.
My experience in organising similar events is that it really does just fall into place, as long as we remain focussed on our goals. i.e. to make great music and give people a great experience, whilst aiming to keep hidden agendas and ego out of the equation.
Just come along to the first workshop and we'll see what happens.
I'm hoping that the workshops in some way are a space we're we can catch up, face to face, figure out stuff that needs to be organised, listen to each others works and have a bit of yoga/meditation session. A couple of hours once a month on a saturday afternoon (maybe, could be on a weeknight or sunday arvo) would be about the extent of it. Nothing too big to commit to.
A perfect time to find out when people are interested in having these workshops.
In my experience though, it is better if a time is set and people either make the effort or adjustments needed to get there. For years I've been teaching yoga and have found that if I leave it up to others to decide on a time for a class, or give options then it's too diffuse. It works when I set a time and people either make it or they don't.
If you think that you just want to be involved in making the music and performing than that should work too. There are already quite a few people who are very keen to be involved in the organisational side of things. I am hoping though that more people do get active in wanting to do more than just 'rock up and play'.
This is how this event, is a little different. The process is about being 'engaged' and not isolated in our bedrooms locked to our laptops. We have galaxies to explore and it will be fun to do it together. I'd like this site to have comments left from people who take the time to explore the internet and post interesting photos, sounds, articles on astrophysics and metaphysics. I intend to post stuff of this nature to give us options for learning something new. I hope others take the time to do the same.
The main idea about the workshops is that the acoustics in the planetarium are particular. It would be a shame to only get out there a week before the performance and go,"gee, I wish I'd come out here sooner, the sound is amazing, I could have done this or that if I had more time."
I haven't spent much time in planetariums. I haven't been to one up at ML. But I hear the sound is awesome.
I don't want to be seen as a plutocrat who is not willing to listen to other's ideas. It's meant to be about sharing information.
The 'journal' is just a word. Please don't freak out about it. I for one, am having a hard time in getting enthused about our weekly blogs. I don't want it to be like that. Just keep a track of the process in any way that is comfortable and when it comes time to make a poster you have some info to use. The posters, like I've mentioned, would be used as a page in a CDVD booklet and on the night, say in the foyer whilst people are nibbling some food and wine.
Something tangible you can show people in a portfolio you may be developing.
I've had other ideas like we've got to fast for the day before each workshop. I like fasting and do it regularly. But I'm not willing to impose this on anyone. Simply put, I am interested in providing options for people.
FYI, the last few months I have actively chosen to pursue restrictions in my caloric consumption to see what the bassline amount of food I need is. You would be surprised how little food we actually need to function sustainably. But this is a personal choice. We have to make choices.
I guess in some ways, I see my capacity in this process/event as a bit of a shaman. Teaching yoga for almost a decade has allowed me to occupy this type of role. I would like to expose people to different ways of seeing the world and our places in it through participating in this process in whatever means and levels of awareness and commitment are comfortable and sustainable for us all.
Look at it this way. There are simply NO restrictions on the creative process and end composition. But there are some requirements for being involved, which are flexible. Think of these requirements as being a process that will probably change the way you engage the creation of the work you make.
Personally, I love organising things. I like recruiting and managing people. It will be a good experience for you to explore a part of this if you haven't been involved in this type of stuff before.
Anyways, I've missed the 1st half of Eng v Par. So I hope people do get keen on this idea. There is already some interest and it really does look like it is going to happen.
Keep posting ideas, comments, criticisms, links, anything that will enable Jyotisha to be something memorable.
Thanks
11:27 PM
Patrick McCartney said...
I'm hoping that with the pursuit of funding/sponsorship that we may get a little help with money for printing of CDVDs, brochures, posters.
Some of us may have acquaintences who would like to donate some wine to be enjoyed on the night. Anything that people want to donate, be it there time,energy or something that can be used. Some people have already said they are keen to help out with the use of sound equipment.
Every little bit helps.
As far as Hope For A Generation is concerned, this is a charity I started last year in New Zealand. I was horrified by the amount of young kids killing themselves and taking drugs. I was living in a rural community where avenues for expression by youth was restricted to drugs, cars and violence. I organised a party, which managed to raise a couple of grand. This money was used to help 'at risk' youth go on a holiday for a week and learn skills to cope with the pressures in their lives, so they don't end up killing themselves.
I want to do something similar with the money raised.
Transparency is essential, so is integrity.
The fundamental premise is that we compose works that are based on selected themes relating to astrophysics and metaphysics. These works will be performed at the Mawson Lakes Planetarium, hopefully, during the Fringe 2007.
The idea is to work as a collaborative in order to generate community spirit and networks for future projects. Whilst at the same time increasing exposure and experience for emerging artists, and raise money and awareness for Hope For A Generation Trust. A charitable trust established in 2005 to do charitable works in the community.
If you would like to be involved in the compositional workshops, scheduled for once a month at the Planetarium then contact us. The idea is to meet monthly and work on the compositions to prepare them for the particular acoustics of the space.
We will also delve into some contemplative practices to garner enthusiasm for the subtle side of life.
It is intended that there will be live performance occurring in at least some of the works presented. That being said, all live performance will occur in the darkness of the planetarium itself, thus posing a challenging question, 'Can you play in the dark?'.
The idea is to have fun and explore the creation of sound and the universe.
Some of the themes up for selection include:
Non-duality
Singularity
Creation
Evolution
Preservation
Dissolution
Entropy
Negentropy
Event Horizon
Feel free to come up with any themes you would like to see a composition made for.
This is a collective, not one person is in charge. That way, with all our enthusiasm, direction and attention, this project will grow into something beautiful. As long as we cogitate clear of the ego and work for the greater good.
The name chosen so far - Jyotisha - is a Sanskrit term loosely translated as 'Astrology', but strictly speaking it is 'The Study of Light'.
Everyone involved will be asked to keep a type of journal (very informal) so we can produce a poster for each composition. This will be on display during the performance and also be included in the CDVD package, of which we intend to sell to raise money for charity and hopefully provide all who participate with a slice of the pie too.
The only things that need to be agreed to at this stage is a commitment to:
creating works of beauty and devotion to the Divine Principle
attending the monthly workshops
and actively pursuing funding, promotions and hiring of equipment.
Total creative freedom awaits you - as long as you can justify during the workshops that your creation fits the theme you are working on.
Each work will be approximately 15 mins in duration.
There is no limit to the number of people who can work on a song, or the number of individuals/groups who choose the same theme.
So fire up and get on board. 9 months is not that far away.
The first workshop is scheduled for sometime in July. TBA.
Stay tuned earthlings.
Hi Tyrell, thanks for the feedback.
I appreciate your concerns and I'm happy to clarify my intentions for you.
I'm quite happy to be seen as a director. The impression I'm trying to convey is that we should work together to make this happen. I'm hoping to 'include' people in the development of this project. Of course, feel free to come to me with any questions...I'm hoping though that others will step up and get involved.
I like to do things like this with others. I feel the group vibe is essential. Collaborating is exciting , it is great to get outside of our own sets of headphones and do stuff with others. The main reason is that we are much more effective together. If some people pull out then it makes the process easier to continue when there is a group working together to make something happen ,instead of one person running around frantically.
Don't worry, this is my idea, and I intend to be involved 100%.
For example, I've come up with an idea. Met someone who runs the planetarium, found some crew who want to write songs and perform them, got help waiting to design CDVD pamphlets/websites, free catering for the night(s).
If some other people are keen then I have a list of bodies who have money to give us to cover our costs.
I will post them here soon.
It's simply a matter of contacting them and presenting the idea. Already, there is particular interest and enthusiasm from certain groups who are keen to help out in some way with financial assistance. I believe the workshops will function as a focus, as well as, this blog and the future website that is in the pipeline.
It's all coming together seamlessly. It's all waiting for you and whoever else who seems like it's an idea worth exploring and devoting time and energy to get on board.
Of course you may feel apprehensive about the level you are prepared to commit to. I want this experience to be positive for everyone involved and not to be a drag. I'm not intending this to be arduous. None of us like to do things that aren't fun. It's meant to be about having fun, exploring sound, space, and making a name for ourselves.
It really isn't that big a hassle helping in organising something like this. Many hands make light work is the key...that's all mate.
My experience in organising similar events is that it really does just fall into place, as long as we remain focussed on our goals. i.e. to make great music and give people a great experience, whilst aiming to keep hidden agendas and ego out of the equation.
Just come along to the first workshop and we'll see what happens.
I'm hoping that the workshops in some way are a space we're we can catch up, face to face, figure out stuff that needs to be organised, listen to each others works and have a bit of yoga/meditation session. A couple of hours once a month on a saturday afternoon (maybe, could be on a weeknight or sunday arvo) would be about the extent of it. Nothing too big to commit to.
A perfect time to find out when people are interested in having these workshops.
In my experience though, it is better if a time is set and people either make the effort or adjustments needed to get there. For years I've been teaching yoga and have found that if I leave it up to others to decide on a time for a class, or give options then it's too diffuse. It works when I set a time and people either make it or they don't.
If you think that you just want to be involved in making the music and performing than that should work too. There are already quite a few people who are very keen to be involved in the organisational side of things. I am hoping though that more people do get active in wanting to do more than just 'rock up and play'.
This is how this event, is a little different. The process is about being 'engaged' and not isolated in our bedrooms locked to our laptops. We have galaxies to explore and it will be fun to do it together. I'd like this site to have comments left from people who take the time to explore the internet and post interesting photos, sounds, articles on astrophysics and metaphysics. I intend to post stuff of this nature to give us options for learning something new. I hope others take the time to do the same.
The main idea about the workshops is that the acoustics in the planetarium are particular. It would be a shame to only get out there a week before the performance and go,"gee, I wish I'd come out here sooner, the sound is amazing, I could have done this or that if I had more time."
I haven't spent much time in planetariums. I haven't been to one up at ML. But I hear the sound is awesome.
I don't want to be seen as a plutocrat who is not willing to listen to other's ideas. It's meant to be about sharing information.
The 'journal' is just a word. Please don't freak out about it. I for one, am having a hard time in getting enthused about our weekly blogs. I don't want it to be like that. Just keep a track of the process in any way that is comfortable and when it comes time to make a poster you have some info to use. The posters, like I've mentioned, would be used as a page in a CDVD booklet and on the night, say in the foyer whilst people are nibbling some food and wine.
Something tangible you can show people in a portfolio you may be developing.
I've had other ideas like we've got to fast for the day before each workshop. I like fasting and do it regularly. But I'm not willing to impose this on anyone. Simply put, I am interested in providing options for people.
FYI, the last few months I have actively chosen to pursue restrictions in my caloric consumption to see what the bassline amount of food I need is. You would be surprised how little food we actually need to function sustainably. But this is a personal choice. We have to make choices.
I guess in some ways, I see my capacity in this process/event as a bit of a shaman. Teaching yoga for almost a decade has allowed me to occupy this type of role. I would like to expose people to different ways of seeing the world and our places in it through participating in this process in whatever means and levels of awareness and commitment are comfortable and sustainable for us all.
Look at it this way. There are simply NO restrictions on the creative process and end composition. But there are some requirements for being involved, which are flexible. Think of these requirements as being a process that will probably change the way you engage the creation of the work you make.
Personally, I love organising things. I like recruiting and managing people. It will be a good experience for you to explore a part of this if you haven't been involved in this type of stuff before.
Anyways, I've missed the 1st half of Eng v Par. So I hope people do get keen on this idea. There is already some interest and it really does look like it is going to happen.
Keep posting ideas, comments, criticisms, links, anything that will enable Jyotisha to be something memorable.
Thanks
11:27 PM
Patrick McCartney said...
I'm hoping that with the pursuit of funding/sponsorship that we may get a little help with money for printing of CDVDs, brochures, posters.
Some of us may have acquaintences who would like to donate some wine to be enjoyed on the night. Anything that people want to donate, be it there time,energy or something that can be used. Some people have already said they are keen to help out with the use of sound equipment.
Every little bit helps.
As far as Hope For A Generation is concerned, this is a charity I started last year in New Zealand. I was horrified by the amount of young kids killing themselves and taking drugs. I was living in a rural community where avenues for expression by youth was restricted to drugs, cars and violence. I organised a party, which managed to raise a couple of grand. This money was used to help 'at risk' youth go on a holiday for a week and learn skills to cope with the pressures in their lives, so they don't end up killing themselves.
I want to do something similar with the money raised.
Transparency is essential, so is integrity.
