The Half the Sky Orchestra uses Phil Morton's ‘system 50:50 for improvisers`. The sound field, which otherwise can become cluttered, is clarified by each improviser using a chess clock. The result is a dynamic and shifting sound canvas that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project in which to participate and to hear.
about
How does Half the Sky Orchestra differ from other large improvising ensembles?
Each individual will contribute equally to the collective sound mass the Orchestra produces through the application of `System 50:50 for improvisers`.
Whereas other large ensembles may pursue conduction strategies and the use of graphic and textual prompts HSO solely relies upon the individuals equal commitment to the sound world without external direction. `system 50:50 for improvisers` replaces the concept and operation of `free` with `agency`.
Such an approach surely offers an exciting challenge to all improvisers who seek equal voicing within large ensemble performance
What social issues may arise in large ensemble improvisation?
Historically, gender imbalance is one issue that has been observed within free improvisation which is indicative of a generalised imbalance noted across other areas of musical expression and across most areas of our society.
How then will HSO overcome gender imbalance?
We can modify the `system 50:50 for improvisers` method to deliver a total sound mass that is generated in equal measures by gender regardless of the gender (numerical) make up of the orchestra . System 50;50 for improvisers reduces the risk of a dominant voice prevailing during a piece of free improvisation. The Half The Sky Orchestra reduces the risk of the sound mass of the male gender from dominating the piece.
about 50:50
What is System 50:50?
A detailed summary is here: CLICK THIS LINK
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.
Phil Morton (Liverpool:UK) developed this system during a ten year, nay 20 year period. Phil Morton has been active in `free improvisation` as a player, promoter, teacher, since 1998 and as a listener since 1968. He commends this project `to the house` to the genre of free ensemble improvisation, as a unique methodology that unpicks the complexity of this music, its sounds, our reactions and emotions using a simple method. Phil Morton's personal belief is that this is a gift that will keep on giving. A bold statement, it maybe a fallacy, or of substance, the research process will explore this and find out. If you would like to be involved, contribute, debate, whether you are local or global please make contact.
Example of HSO settings
Clock settings for a System 50:50 ensemble with no adjustments for gender.
(reminder, each player has a clock, their own clock.)
Number of players: 18
Duration of the piece 18 minutes
Default system 50:50 settings
Tacet 9 minutes
Free play 9 minutes
Half the Sky Orchestra, amended clocks for gender balance
Number of players: 18 made up of 12 males and 6 females.
Clock settings, male - duration 18 minutes, tacet 12 minutes, freeplay 6 minutes, total freeplay time of 12 males = 72 minutes (12 x 6 minutes)
Clock settings, female - duration 18 minutes, tacet 6 minutes, freeplay 12 minutes, total freeplay time of six females = 72 minutes (6 x 12 minutes)
In this instance it follows: if there double the number of males to females in the orchestra, the freeplay setting for the males is half that of the females.
The sound mass of each gender in this example is 72 minutes and equal.
How it sounds cannot be predicted.
50:50 feedback
Hear is a sample of what improvisers say about `system 50:50 for improvisers`.
Charlie Collins, improviser, Sheffield wrote 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.” -
Another point of listening comes from Simon Ross, Macclesfield.
`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 and more cooperative. Ends well.`
Dan Goren, Oxford Improvisers & London Improvisers Orchestra
"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"
Maggie Nicols:
Following her first session exploring System 50:50 Maggie Nicols said. I want to buy 10 system 50:50 chess clock. And she did. £120 cash.
Geography
Notes on geography
The primary location for this project is London, the secondary location is Birmingham.
Time will tell.
Sign up
Notes on geography
The primary location for this project is London, the secondary location is Birmingham.
Please indicate your availability for each location in the comments section of the form - this helps.