Introduction
Where do we stand now?
Since 2016, the System 50:50 in Sound for improvisers has been rigorously tested through nearly 500 sessions involving a diverse range of participants and ensemble types, from solo performers to orchestras with up to 24 members.
Although this approach to ensemble improvisation is still relatively new, there is evidence to suggest its benefits are significant.
Therefore, System 50:50 deserves a place in every improviser's toolkit.
Obstacles to Wider Acceptance and Practice
One significant barrier to the broader acceptance and practice of this system is the availability of chess clocks. To address this issue, Phil Morton is exploring a solution that involves a mail-order system. This mail-order resource would allow interested individuals and ensembles to order chess clocks online and have them delivered via the UK parcel post system.
It is unlikely that ensembles would be willing to invest in a large number of chess clocks solely for experimentation. Once the potential of the System 50:50 in Sound's attributes is heard, individuals and ensembles may look to obtain their own clocks.
Prices, terms and conditions
- UK Only , estimated mail hire rate per contract
- Up to 12 clocks is £20.00
- Up to 20 clocks is £20.00 - not currently available as a right, but you can ask
- Early Bird Offer - some rentals are charged at £10.00, ask about it.
- Up to 12 clocks is £20.00
- Meet - Collect - Meet - Return
- Up to 12 clocks is £10
- Up to 20 clocks is £10.00 - not currently available as a right, but you can ask
- One clock for person
- Up to one clock is £8, or purchase for £20.00
presentations
A presentation with slides on this topic, which is kept up to date.
follow the link,
A video playlist, about mail order closk for System 50:50 in Sound
Info-presentation, System 50;50 in Sound, access to clocks via mail order.
Phil Morton speaks to the topic: System 50:50 in Sound, access to clocks
Gaps in the presentation
Gaps in the presentation(s)
- What specific benefits have been identified from using the System 50:50 in Sound during improvisation sessions?
- How does the use of chess clocks specifically enhance the practice of ensemble improvisation?
- Are there any alternative solutions being considered for the accessibility of chess clocks beyond the proposed mail-order system?
About 50:50
The goal is
- to create space
- to encourage music created in the moment by those present.
- to explore the possibilities and limitations of freedom, agency and improvisation in music.
The approach is
- To shape the sound with silence,
- To shape the ensemble size moment by moment.,
- To empower the musicians with agency over their contribution.
- To shape the music through active listening.
Description
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.
System 50:50 for improvisers - Click the link for a detailed description and history.
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), Blank Canvas Octet - Liverpool
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
Contact
Interested?
please contact Phil Morton, Liverpool, England.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
disclaimer
Disclaimer:1
The event details have not been posted by the artists, venue, event host, or promoter on this feature. Before travelling to the event, please verify the accuracy of the listed information such as the venue, date, and start time. To confirm the provided information, you can visit the host's website or social media accounts.
Disclaimer:2
The website is currently maintained by one person (Phil Morton from Liverpool, UK). It's a large site that covers a wide range of topics.
Since it's a lot of work for just one person, there may be mistakes or omissions.
Let's cut the person some slack!
Can we offer any help? Could you offer help?
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version #11 - updated on 12.09.2024
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