The aim is to create something new in a musical sense owned by those present by exploring the possibilities of freedom, improvisation and their limitations. The approach of System 50:50 for improvisers is to shape the sound with silence, to shape the ensemble size from moment to moment, then to empower the musicians with agency. They shape the music through active listening. The System 50:50 approach can be applied to ensembles of any size to achieve the aim

The duration of the piece is agreed before the start of the performance..
A performer must play for 50% of the duration of the piece and remain silent for 50% of the duration of the piece
Example

If the duration of the piece is 16 minutes, the performer plays for 8 minutes and is silent for 8 mins. Each player is free to choose when they play and when they are silent within the duration of the piece but they must have a 50/50 balance between playing and being silent. It is expected that each player will improvise their music.
Quick summary using 50:50 ratio

Each player `improvises` for 50% of the piece
Each player is `tacet` for 50% of the piece
The totals are aggregated
Each player/improviser has their own clock and manages their own time
Each player has `agency` over the content they share during the performance.

https://www.improvisersnetworks.online/system-50-50-an-introduction

Delivered by the primary and preferred time management option:

Mechanical chess clocks are required to facilitate the aim of the system. One of the pair of dials is called ‘tacet’ and the other ‘free play’.See image above. Each performer has an individual chess clock to monitor and manage their contribution. The performer plays when the ‘free play’ dial is running down and is silent when the ‘tacet’ dial is running down.

Youtube demonstration, Duration 1 minute Ratio 50:50 or 1:1 Content, is speech, status managed by the rocker (lever): URL LINK

Link to image of an adapted chess clock URL LINK

Selected feedback about system 50:50

Simon Ross (Macclesfield), Liverpool sessions

System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well.

Charlie Collins Sheffield

On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.”

Dan Goren, Oxford Improvisers.

`"It seems to me that any attempt to restrict what free improvisers play, presents a threat to the core nature of their music. Generally, 'To play or not play' is about as far as any predetermination can productively go, the player retaining (almost!) complete formal agency regarding when and what (s)he decides to play"

Richard Harding Liverpool.

``Sometimes in free improv it is just not working but we carry on in the hope it will get better, in system 50:50 if it (free improv) is not working one can select tacet and stop playing`

Jon Aveyard, Lecturer UCLan University England

`It gives me permission to do nothing`

Helen Conning, Liverpool.

It is democratic

Maggie Nicol - West Wales.

I want to buy twelve 50:50 clocks

The Open House online session supports

• Ensemble improvisations made without prior preparation.
• Using Zoom break-out rooms means we can support any number of participants.
• Open access - there is no peer-to-peer review of applicants - all levels of musical experience are welcome.
• You can bring whatever is in your sonic toolbox.
• An online session to support a hybrid working pattern for improvisers.
• It will increase your frequency of playing and ensemble improvisations.

Zoom Supports.

• You do not have to travel to the venue, come rain or shine.
• The participants will come from a more extensive geographical capture.
• A different social, community vibe - you are often face to face with everyone in the room.
• In Zoom, it is a simple process for the host to record a session. The Zoom host can share the recordings to support your interest and development in playing improvised music.

System 50:50 for improvisers supports.

• The shaping of sound with silence
• The shaping of the ensemble with tacet.
• System 50:50 works well on Zoom.

Here is what Simon Ross wrote about System 50:50

System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well. Simon Ross

Suggested scripts for the form

Name of event, please enter Ensemble 50:50 Liverpool
Location: please enter,Liverpool
Comments: add your comments and any requests for support with Zoom and the associated technologies required to support online participation.

Name:*

First

Last

E-mail:*

Name of the event or project, you have viewed on the website that interests you*

Location of the project if known: if not known, simply enter `not known`*

add your name to the contact list for this project and receive newsletters: .*

yes please

no thanks

Your comments, tell us a little bit about yourself and your interest in this project*

Word Verification: The script is small and can lead to errors. Try the zoom function in your browser settings to make the script larger.

SubmitReset

Email: please send an email, sharing your interest in this project to: philmorton@improvisersnetwork.co.uk

To register for this event and project via eventbrite, please follow the link below.
The link will display all events posted to the Improvisers Networks Online account.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/improvisers-networks-online-26497896907

RTM task name: BCE Liverpool Monthly 2024
List name: 2024 Mereyside.
Link
https://www.rememberthemilk.com/app/#list/48097526

Calendar

local
region
national
categories

sequencing
google
joomla

BST 31.03.2024
GMT 27.10.2024

UK Bank Holidays

https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays

Ensemble 50:50 Liverpool, Ship Mitre Thursday 27.06.2024 good2go at 7.30
Exploring the possibilities of freedom, improvisation and their limitations
This session is for musicians to meet new people, maintain old friendships and play music.
It is also a performance an audience can witness and listen to.

ALEXA: AI WRITES

Attention all improvisers and sonic artists! You can now participate in an online schedule as part of a hybrid practice. The Liverpool session, which is described in detail below, can lead to involvement in regular online sessions as part of the "new normal." These sessions occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The criteria for joining these online sessions may vary, but we do not have an audition or open-door policy. Instead, we would like to have a conversation with you to determine which session would best suit your needs and experiences. If you are interested in joining, please visit the registration tab in this article and add a note in the comments section of the form. Let us know that you are interested in the online System 50:50 sessions.

slider=formref}
/slider}