This workshop involves the design and construction of physical sound making objects. Research in acoustics, psycho-acoustics, tuning, and electronics is applied to the use of strings, resonators, soundboards, and transducers. Many non-traditional instruments (those by Harry Partch, David Tudor et al.), will be examined as to their physical construction, sound, and music. Individual projects will focus on conceiving and creating a particular instrument as a way of imagining and materializing a particular music. There will be a public presentation/ concert. Enrollment limited.

The reemergence of the oral tradition as a means for transmitting poetry has shocked the culture into acknowledging the power of the word. Poetry is giving voice to whole cultures who for the first time are being found in the literary canon. This course is a hands-on exploration of this new poetry, providing a theoretical basis for the most contemporary of contemporary poetics via actual writing and performance practice. The traditions include West African Griots, Provencal troubadours, and Sung dynasty poets, through the first modernists, Dada and Futurist artists, right up to the performing bards of today. Students are introduced to the use of media other than the standard printed page for the transmission of poetry: video, musical collaboration, and poets theater, and are encouraged to conceive original settings for their own texts. Special attention is given to the Internet both as a site for creating poems with HTML/QuickTime/RealAudio etc., and as a method of distribution. Poets and performers occasionally participate in the classes.

COURSES CROSS-LISTED IN INTEGRATED ARTS