upcoming Visions & Voices project – live multimedia spectacle
I’m looking forward to working with Mike Patterson, creator of this very special Visions & Voices project. The scope of the project includes a collaboration between live music, video and animation featuring the work of several artists including; D-Fuse, Scott Pagano and music by Brian King. The presentation takes place on April 22, 2011. As the project develops I’ll be sure to post updates. In the meantime, here’s a copy of one of the ads for the project.
The many facets of the SMPTV program
We’re now into our 2nd week of the new semester of the USC scoring program. At this time of the year, I am flooded with emails and phone calls from prospective students as they look ahead to the application deadline of December 1st. They have many questions about the application process, the curriculum, and the opportunities to prepare them for a career in the scoring industry. One of the most frequently asked questions, “How successful is the program – how many of the recent graduates are working, and what are they doing?” There’s a story in development that addresses this question, in detail, so I thought I’d include it in this post. If you’re able to take a few minutes to read this story I think you’ll see why the SMPTV program at USC is considered to be the very best of its kind. Click here to read a copy of the story (PDF)
On stage, in Paris, with film composer, Jean-Michel Bernard
Film composer and musician extraordinaire, Jean-Michel Bernard, recently gave a concert as part of festival for French composers. In addition to his work with directors like Michel Gondry (“Science of Sleep” “Be Kind, Rewind” and “Human Nature”) Jean-Michel worked extensively with Ray Charles until Ray passed in 2004.
SMPTV Workshop on Mixing for Composers
Today, perhaps more than ever at some point in the process, composers are faced with the challenge of creating and mixing their music. In some cases, we’re talking about synth mock-ups and other times it may be the final mix. In either case, we’ve come to realize a wide range of skill level when it comes to mixing. Dennis Sands, with generous support from BMI. came up with a 4 part series to address many of the concerns and pitfalls for composers as they find their way in the stereo, and multi-channel field. Here’s a clip from a recent press release from BMI’s web site. The workshop was a success and I plan on continuing with this format next semester.
USC rescores “Copycat” with Chris Young at Warner Bros.
For this assignment, Christopher Young and director, Jon Amiel worked closely with the USC students to rescore the film, “Copycat” with a 35 piece orchestra at Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage. Jon spotted the film with the student composers. Here’s an example of a cue from the session, by Clinton Rusich.
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Next session – Sally Stevens and the Hollywood Film Chorale
On February 27th, the USC scoring program is back in the studio with a unique opportunity to work with members of the Hollywood Film Chorale. The film scoring class, led by SMPTV instructor Freddie Wiedmann, will combine pre-recorded instrumental tracks with an 18 voice choir. Director, Sally Stevens has put together an amazing group of vocalists for this session, including Carmen Twillie. Sally’s commitment to working with the young composers at USC is second to none, as evidenced by her recent email, “…Carmen Twillie has confirmed for the 27th. So I thought you might want to let the guys know that we do have her “special skill” kind of voice – she has a VERY LOW, female voice – ethnic and interesting. They wouldn’t want to spend their whole cues writing a solo for her, but they could add a couple of bars or so if they wished to experiment…”
Carmen performed some solos for James Horner for AVATAR.
We’re all looking forward to this session! Click here for more info about the Hollywood Film Chorale.
In addition to the film chorale, Sally is also the contractor and director for The Hollywood Film Chorale – Gospel Choir.
Here’s a link to a video clip of a live performance with Ellen DeGeneres (79th Annual Academy Awards Show)
USC and BMI collaborate with Dennis Sands on a SMPTV seminar
Oscar nominated scoring mixer, Dennis Sands has put together a series of classes on “Mixing for Composers”. In this setting, Dennis will invite the USC class to visit with him at his state of the art studio for an inside look at the art, craft and business of mixing. This 4 part series covers a wide range of topics from, Thinking About Sound and the Mix, to Multi-channel Mix Formats and Score Components, to Putting Your Team Together, and much, much more. This series is made possible with support from BMI – special thanks to Doreen Ringer-Ross for her support and commitment to the education of young film composers.
USC visits with Tom Newman at his studio
Last week we had a chance to visit with feature film composer, Thomas Newman. Tom invited us to his studio for a close look at his creative environment. His studio is located in the same house his father, Alfred Newman, used during his career – talk about being in the presence of film music royalty! And Tom was very gracious. He placed copies of his scores, and his father’s, on a table for the students to view.
The session began with Jon Burlingame on hand to moderate a Q & A segment. They talked about Tom’s career and his process. And with each film project mentioned, the focus shifted to emphasize the relationship between the director and the composer. After awhile they invited student participation to complete this Q & A portion of the session.
Then we went into Tom’s studio and the students were treated to a playback of several cues from one of his most recent film projects. To close out this session, Tom gave the class a scoring assignment. He selected a scene from one of his films, “Revolutionary Road” and gave directions for creating an overall musical tone for the scene, and the film. Next week, Tom and his good friend and music editor, Bill Bernstein will come to USC for another session with the class. Since Tom and Bill work so closely together, we thought this would be a great opportunity to have them critique the students’ work on the scene from, “Revolutionary Road”.
new format for composition forum
This year I asked a number of Hollywood composers if we could expand our format for composition forum by scheduling two sessions each. During the first session we would visit the composer in his studio environment to talk about his career and creative process. At the end of this session the composer would give the class a scoring assignment, a scene or two from one of their past film projects. And for a follow-up session we’d meet with the composer again, to critique the students’ work. In this way, the students have a hands-on experience with creating original music for these film projects while the composers get a chance to know the students a little better. It’s proven to been a very effective educational experience for everyone involved. This year we were very fortunate to have;
Theodore Shapiro (The Devil Wears Prada), Ed Shearmur (Bride Wars), Harry Gregson-Williams (Seraphim Falls), Thomas Newman (Revolutionary Road). And there’s more – we are scheduled to meet with John Powell in March!
Upcoming Scoring Sessions for USC
We have a great schedule for this semester;
February 13th at East/West Studio in Hollywood with SMPTV instructors, Patrick Kirst and Sean Dougall focus on romantic comedy. Bob Fernandez will be the scoring mixer.
February 27th we’re back on campus with Sally Stevens and the Hollywood Film Chorale. SMPTV instructor, Freddie Wiedmann is set to produce this hybrid session. Bob Fernandez will mix.
March 13th is truly one of the highlights for the semester with SMPTV instructor and feature film composer, Chris Young and director Jon Amiel working together with the students to create a new score for “Copycats”. We’ll be at Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage with a live 38 piece orchestra, contracted by Peter Rotter of Decrescent & Rotter.
March 27th at the Spielbert Scoring Stage at USC with Brad Dechter’s orchestration assignment in a collaborative setting. Steve Krause will mix this session.
April 17th takes us back to Warner Bros. with a 65 piece orchestra. SMPTV instructor and feature film composer, Bruce Broughton will mentor the students on this, our final scoring session of the year!
USC grad scores NBC series, “Community”
This is an unscripted sample of a potential storyline featuring several SMPTV graduates, tracing the experience from student, to composer’s assistant, to landing their own television series or feature film projects. In this example, Ludwig Goransson, USC class of 2008, was hired immediately after graduation from the SMPTV program by, A-list feature film composer, Theodore Shapiro – initially, as a full-time assistant. Within 1 year Ludwig worked on several features with Theodore including, The Year One and Tropic Thunder, while also scoring the music for a television pilot. Subsequently, Theodore recommended him for the NBC series, “Community”. Ludwig’s music was approved and since then, signed on to do all of the music for the first season. Ludwig is originally from Sweden and came to the U.S., specifically, to study in the USC SMPTV program. He turned 25 in September, 2009. During this interview, Ludwig was quick to acknowledge that the USC SMPTV program made all of this possible.
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USC Film Scoring Orchestra
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USC String Master Class
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USC film scoring student project
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Brian King’s video tutorial for the Roland V-drum series
This tutorial is an attempt to take a closer look at some of the audio and MIDI recording capabilities of the Roland V-drum. The video also sheds light on the power, and ease of performance of the MIDI profiles, and how they can be applied to 3rd party plug-ins. When I created this, I opted to use Battery, by Native Instruments, but the same technique applies to any other 3rd party plug-ins. I’ve recently added “Addictive Drums” to my plug-ins and I must say that Addictive Drums is, by far, the best sounding drum plug-in I’ve ever heard. FYI – it does require some MIDI mapping to use with the Roland V-drum. Thankfully, Big Fish included a PDF of the MIDI mapping for the plug-in. It took me a matter of minutes to quickly adapt the “A.D.” mapping to the V-drum. BTW – I played all of all of the intro drum tracks, as well as the closing track ,on the video tutorial with the V-drum triggering the default setup in Addictive Drums. At some point, I might consider doing another video which details all of the setups between the V-drum and Addictive Drums, or anything esle you’d like to see. Enjoy! Brian
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Toru Takemitsu Festival – Celebrating the 10th Anniversary Season of the Shumei Arts Council of America
Toru Takemitsu Festival
April 25th and 26th 2009
Photo by Tetsuya Fukui
Confronting Silence:
The Music of Toru Takemitsu
Shumei Hall & Shumei Hall Gallery (MAP)
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary Season of the Shumei Arts Council of America
In collaboration with Southwest Chamber Music & Pacific Asia Museum
Acknowledgment: Margaret Smilow, Dr. Akiko Agishi, Alan Imai, Marie Forsyth
Free Admission
Background
Toru Takemitsu (1930—1996) is considered one of the major composers of the later 20th Century. His talents and interests were broad. He drew inspiration from a range of sources that included jazz, popular song, the European avant-garde, and traditional Japanese music. He wrote concert music and music for films, among them a number of cinematic classics. He was a figure of universal sensibilities, and the first Japanese composer to find international acclaim. He also was a popular celebrity in Japan and a well-received writer on aesthetics and musical theory in both Japanese and English. He was an advocate for world peace, and even managed to write a detective novel.
Nature, Spirituality, and ‘Ma.’
The concept of ‘Ma’ was incorporated in Takemitsu’s mature works, those he composed while rediscovering the music of his native Japan. Ma is sometimes defined as an open space, a breath, a pause, or a silence defined by sound and found between sounds.
There is a spatial aspect to the idea of Ma. It can be experienced in the environs of a formal Japanese garden. Takemitsu often compared composing and listening to music to walking through a garden. He thought of instruments as similar to a garden’s various rocks, plants, and artifacts that together form a harmonious whole where no one part overpowers the rest. There is a spiritual element to Ma as well. The vacant space defined by these elements is rich ground for meditation, and silence is the home of spirituality. Ma connects us to both the universe of the five senses and the unseen world beyond them. For Takemitsu, Ma permeated the natural world, and nature was his great teacher. Ma touches the heart of nature, a sense of nature almost lost to modern society. As a result, many of Takemitsu’s pieces evoke themes of the natural world.
The concerts will present Ma and nature as found in Takemitsu’s work. Takemitsu believed that spirits exist everywhere in nature, and each of his works was an expression of his love of nature.
The symposium “Takemitsu: Nature and the Concept of Ma” will explore the wonder that Ma in nature inspires, and how this awe is the source of art, spirituality, and science. If viable, the Shumei Arts Council would like the symposium to touch on how this sense of Ma and nature can inspire environmental concerns and a commitment to a peaceful world.
Another Definition of ‘Ma’
The Japanese word ‘Ma’ may be defined as the natural distance between two or more events existing in a continuity. In contrast to the West’s’ perception of time and space as separate entities, in Japanese thinking both time and space are measured in terms of intervals. Silence and the prolongation of sound is the same thing in terms of space. The only difference is that there is either the presence or absence of sound. More important is whether the space is ‘living’ or not.
Purpose
Through the Takemitsu festival, the Shumei Arts Council hopes to foster an understanding and appreciation of the role of art and spirituality in the health of our natural world, and the well-being and happiness of all people.
Program
Saturday, April 25, 2009
1pm
SYMPOSIUM
Dialogue & Demonstration of “Ma”, a concept behind Japanese culture and the music of Toru Takemitsu
Topic of discussion: Takemitsu: Nature and the concept of “Ma”
Panelists
Peter Grilli: president of Japan Society of Boston, a recipient of the prestigious Third Class Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Japan-America Societies
Alex Kerr: writer, artist, public speaker, founder and director of the Origin Program of traditional arts in Japan and Thailand Website
Jeff von der Schmidt: founding artistic director and conductor of Southwest Chamber Music, a two-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble
Sharon Franquemont, former professor of intuition at JFK University, now working with the Life Science Foundation in Excelsior, Minnesota on projects related to intuition, health care, and science.
Facilitator: Martin Perlich, renowned author, writer, producer and distinguished broadcaster Website
Musician: Junko Ueno Garrett, pianist and faculty member at Occidental College Website
4 pm
Ma: Sound and Silence
Assorted Medium Event
Experience the aesthetics of ‘ma,’ captured in sound and silence, form and space, and movement and rest. The Shumei Arts Council of America presents a concert of sights and sounds that embody the spirit of the great 20th Century composer, Toru Takemitsu.
Featured is music by Takemitsu and Haruno Kira, a niece of Toru Takemitsu as well as the world premier of “Seihitsu?Thoughts for Takemitsu,” by taiko master Koji Nakamura. The concert blends photography, Japanese traditional dance, the art of tea, calligraphy, and music, both scored and improvisational, into a discourse on one of the guiding principles of Japanese art and the art of Toru Takemitsu: ‘ma.’
Among the artists are Jeff von der Schmidt directing Southwest Chamber Music, Koji Nakamura on drums and flute, Yukiko Matsuyama on koto, composer Haruno Kira, dancer Hidesomi Bando from Bando School, calligrapher and author Alex Kerr, and photographer Sumio Koike. Tea ceremony performed by Masanori Tamaki from Mushanokoji-senke School. Production by Kouji Sh’tara, a nephew of Toru takemitsu. Directed by Don Riedel, film producer.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
1pm
DOCUMENTARY FILM
“MUSIC FOR MOVIES: TORU TAKEMITSU”
Introduction by the film’s co-producer, Peter Grilli, and anecdotes by the composer’s nephew, Kouji Sh’tara.
An in-depth look into Toru Takemitsu’s works for the cinema, this documentary containsinterviews with the composer and noted film directors who worked with Takemitsu thoughout his forty year career in film. Also included are scenes from films in which the composer scored both the music and sound.
This program is supported by the film’s co-producer, Margaret Smilow, who kindly waived the copyright fee.
3pm
CONCERT
Southwest Chamber Music (Photo by Corina Gamma)
All music composed by Toru Takemitsu
Two-time Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music will present fascinating works from Takemitsu’s vast Waterscape series. Audiences will be exposed to the concept of ‘Ma’ through the brilliantly colorful works such as Bryce (inspired by our national Park in Utah) and Waterways. The works showcase the exotic colorings of 2 harps, 2 vibraphones, and various Japanese percussion instruments.
Press release: English 日本語
Press Conference: April 14, 2009 at 2 pm at Shumei Hall
Related Events
“The Literati of Japan” (with a focus on calligraphy)
A Special Lecture by Alex Kerr
Friday, April 24, 2009 at 7pm
Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 449-2742
Calligraphy Exhibition by Alex Kerr at Shumei Hall Gallery (MAP)
Circle & Love
March 13, 2009 – May 10, 2009
9:30am – 6:00pm (Mon. – Sat.)
Sunday, appointment only by calling 626 584 8841
Other Information about the Shumei Arts Council of America
FRESH SQUEEZE JUICE FESTIVAL 2009 at Calarts
FRESH SQUEEZE JUICE FESTIVAL 2009
presents
L I N E S
CAROLE KIM video installation
STEPHANIE NUGENT dance
SHURIU LO dance
VINNY GOLIA winds
WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet
BO SUL KIM live-feed video
ALEX LORGE live-feed video
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
5:30 PM
C3 STAIRWELL – 2nd & 3rd floors
CALARTS
Golden Belt to celebrate the arrival of spring this Third Friday
Third Friday: Opening Reception for Watoto Wanapiga Picha,
Art Attack Youth Mentorship showing, Open Studios, Taco Truck!
http://goldenbeltarts.com/index.shtml
Building 3 & ROOM 100
March 20, 2009
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Downtown Art Walk
Admission: Free, open to public
Parking: Main Parking Lot
As trees come alive and baby birds chirp & chirr, we invite you to Golden Belt to celebrate the arrival of spring this Third Friday.
We are proud to announce that the undeniably best taco truck in Durham will be parked at GB for Third Friday. Please give Benito a warm welcome and definitely give his fresh and tasty offerings a try.
In ROOM 100, join curator Jamara Knight for the opening of the community-based, interactive exhibit Watoto Wanapiga Picha.
Jamara journeyed to Tanzania with a suitcase full of cameras donated by Durham residents— knowing that what one community didn’t need, another would find rewarding, revealing, and healing. Told through the eyes and hands of children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Watoto Wanapiga Picha illuminates the depth of human experience and the realities of life in a distant country.
African rhythms and written reflections from the children will accompany the exhibit. Light refreshments will also be served.
In Studio 141, see the work of Alex Buck, a bright and enthusiastic
8th grader at Brogden Middle School in Durham. Alex’s strong talent for drawing and keen interest in horticulture is conveyed through his playful yet poignant visual stance on refuse and ecology. For the past month, Golden Belt Artist-in-Residence Peter Eversoll has mentored Alex through the Art Attack Youth Art Mentorship Program, a collaboration between Golden Belt, Bull City Headquarters, local artists and creative youth.
As always, Golden Belt’s artists welcome you to browse and shop
in Building 3’s thirty-five open studios.
A new Film Independent program for young filmmakers
Film Independent is proud to announce the launch of the @15 Short Film Contest, a new initiative designed to increase the opportunities for young filmmakers to get their films seen by a wider audience.
Presented by Best Buy, the @15 Short Film Contest is open to filmmakers ages 13-18, and there is no entry fee.
Go to www.at15.com/film to find detailed information about the submission requirements and the fantastic prizes that will be given to the top 15 finalists and to the audience-award winner. The final deadline is April 15.
So, hurry and visit the @15 website today, and please spread the word!
Please contact futurefilmmakers@filmindependent.org if you have any questions.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANT GUIDELINES RELEASED
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANT GUIDELINES RELEASED
Learn More about Applying for Stimulus Funds
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has released a comprehensive set of guidelines relating to the distribution of $50 million in economic stimulus funds approved by Congress in February. The guidelines outline the steps that local arts organizations need to take to receive direct grants that specifically preserve jobs in the arts. One major restriction of the direct grants is that applicants must have received an NEA grant within the last four years. This restriction is based in part on direction from the White House Office of Management and Budget in order to ensure swift distribution of the recovery funding throughout the country to organizations with proven track records of handling government grants. For more information on NEA funding, please contact Director of Federal Affairs Narric Rome at nrome@artsusa.org.
UPCOMING ARTS ADVOCACY DAYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
UPCOMING ARTS ADVOCACY DAYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Arts advocates are speaking out across the country in support of the arts. Take this opportunity to learn about statewide advocacy efforts where you live. We also hope you’ll be able to make the to National Arts Advocacy Day, March 30–31, 2009, in Washington, DC. If not, here is just a sampling of the upcoming state arts advocacy days: Ohio Arts Day & Governor’s Awards, April 1, 2009; ARTS Day 2009 (NC), May 5–6, 2009; Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Advocacy Day, May 20, 2009; and One State: Together in the Arts Conference (IL), June 1–2, 2009. To learn more about how you can get involved in your state’s advocacy efforts, visit the State Arts Action Network website or contact State and Local Government Affairs Coordinator Tim Mikulski at timikulski@artsusa.org.
