Technology has allowed for information, communication, and entertainment to be instantaneously distributed to a mass audience. Access to this knowledge base has become standard in our culture, especially amongst young people. In hopes of attracting younger audiences to symphonic concert performances, an interactive experience reflecting this movement must be created for them; engaging them as they would be in any other cultural setting.
The impact of technology on artistic expression is undeniably significant and somewhat controversial, forging a charged debate over its role in the creative process. There is, however, little debate that music as a form of communication should welcome the technology that has allowed mankind to connect so efficiently. Having its repertoire almost exclusively written in the twentieth century, the wind band by its very nature is a modern innovation and we believe that utilizing interactive technology should be the next step in this evolution.
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is pioneering a concert relevant to today’s Army, combining audience interactivity, technology, and musical entertainment. In most concert venues, one is encouraged to silence electronic devices for fear of interruption of the performance. We intend to offer a new experience: a traditional symphonic concert with an opportunity for electronic devices to be an integral part of the performance; one that encourages the audience to join into the artistic experience.
Our partner on this project is George Mason University’s Information Technology Department. With their help, many will have the ability to view the concert in real time via the internet. Both the live audience and those who log on around the world will have the opportunity to download ring tones from the concert. Throughout the evening, the audience will be asked to vote, via text message, for a particular piece that they will preview through a multimedia presentation. Finally, post-concert blogging (http://soundtree.musiced.net) will allow listeners to review the concert and their experience.
It is our goal to enhance the music with live multi media presentations both before and during the concert. Eliminating the need for printed programs, the concert selections will be viewed on screens, embracing the catch phrase “Going green.” This concert will also feature the world premier performance of a work originally written for tuba and euphonium solos. The composition has been altered by our arranging staff; sequencing the solo parts to CD, adding a new technological aspect to the piece.
Everyone is invited to this free concert by the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” on March 27th at 7:30pm at Brucher Hall Fort Myer, Virginia or attend in the comfort of your own home via the web at http://ait.gmu.edu.
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