Introduction
The Blank Canvas Ensembles - Manchester will play free ensemble improvisation in music using `System 5050`.
Refer to the `about System 50:50` tab for more information on System 50:50 for improvisers.
The ensemble may feature between 7-16 players.
The sessions are open, all levels of experience as a musicians, artists are welcome to attend. Please refer to the criteria tab
The aim is to create contact list of 21 names, this larger number is required due to the complexity and density of modern lifestyles, to have 7 people present in a room on an agreed day, we need an extended, starting list of 21
Phil Morton, the curator of the sessions has been working on System 50:50 for improvisers for 20 years, with a intense research practice during 2017-2022.
This research has taken in a wide brief that has included over 100 weekly sessions with experienced players through a one of session with London Improvisers Orchestra (24 players) and ad hoc trios.
Schedule
When? the schedule
The proposed schedule is the first Tuesday of the month, this translates as
- 03.01.2023, at the Peer Hat
- 07.02.2023, venue to be confirmed
- 07.03.2023 at the Peer Hat
- 04.04.2022 venue to be confirmed
- 16.05.2023 at the Peer Hat
- NOTE NOTE NOTE, The sixteenth of May is not the first Tuesday of May!
- and then it is June
Tickets at eventbrite
- Tickets for this, please follow the link to the Evenbrite site which will display a list of live events, click on the image for this event
The Schedule, in a room in Liverpool
- Find out more at the website Improvisers Networks Online - Merseyside section: CLICK HERE
The Online Schedule
There are regular online sessions on a Monday, Wednesday. Plus Friday sessions every two weeks.
To view the website-event pages for the online events, click the link and find the article : CLICK HERE
To apply go to the registration tab to be found in this article and add a note in the comments section of the form that you are interested in the online Blank Canvas sessions.
Criteria
Criteria for participation.
All levels of ability and experience are welcome and rewarded.
If you wish to participate in this project you will be asked to attend your first session as a member of the audience.
We then have a chat, then you can participate in your next/second attendance.
Venues
The Peer Hat
- The Peer Hat 14-16 Faraday St, Manchester M1 1BE
- Facebook page
- Peer Hat web page - Venue Hire info - Rehearsal room info
About System 50:50
Proposition is that: System 50:50 is the go to tool for developing free ensembles improvisation in larger numbers, say over 7 improvisers, and System 50:50 for improvisers disposes with the need for external referential strategies such as: compositions, conduction, graphic scores, game strategies, contemporary composition techniques, the hand picking of musicians who meet your aesthetic values and brief.
So, What is System 50:50?
a detailed summary is here: CLICK THIS LINK
What people say 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 (Macclesfield), Blank Canvas - Liverpool
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.” - Charlie Collins Sheffield
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 - Dan Goren Oxford Improvisers
Reviews and project development
There will reviews every six weeks. The `review` and zoom meeting is an opportunity to share our thinking about the ensemble and to plan a future.
What happens next:
To express an interest:in the Blank Canvas Septet - Manchester:UK please complete form to be found in the registration tab
or Contact Phil Morton: philmorton@improvisersnetwork.co.uk :
UK: mobile 07999518582
Online Sessions
Zoom - Online sessions: The creative alternative
The Hybrid solution to artistic and social isolation.
if you cannot attend the `in the flesh` sessions we have the post covid solution that is a new normal: we can meet online!
The zoom not in the room sessions take place on a Monday on zoom at 19.00 hours
Action
If you are interested in the on-line sessions please complete the form on the registration tab and add a comment in the `comments` box that you are interested in the zoom sessions.
registration
To express an interest:in the Blank Canvas Septet - Manchester:UK please complete form to be found in the registration tab
or Contact Phil Morton: philmorton@improvisersnetwork.co.uk :
UK: mobile 07999518582