Theorizing the Space Between

Call for Works: Theorizing the Space Between

Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference on Music

University of Alberta, Department of Music

March 6-8, 2009

Advancements in digital technologies in the 20th and 21st centuries have provided composers with entirely new means for creating music, encouraging composers and musicians alike to re-examine conventional ideas about composition and performance. Real-time processing and the use of non-conventional devices like the Wii Nintendo controller as musical objects have opened up new spaces--between composer and performer, between play and art, between body and machine-that invite contemporary composers to engage in dialogue with new aural-scapes.
Theorizing the Space Between includes philosophical, musicological, and social research but it must also include the sound of the space between as a critical voice in this developing discourse.

We are accepting submissions of works which make use of new technologies such as the Wii Nintendo controller for the interactive control of computer music.
This call is open to all graduate students. Works should not exceed ten minutes in length.

We ask that composers submit a short video clip of their work and a brief (100-250 words) description of its philosophical or conceptual underpinnings, as well as technical requirements for performance. Composers will introduce their work in a 5-minute time-frame prior to the performance. A panel discussion will follow.
We ask that selected composers attend the conference and perform their work. (Conference fees will be waived for selected composers; in addition, we will provide an audio and video recording of the composition.)
UofA Technical Facilities
2 channel (stereo) preferred, 4 channel and 8 channel sound will be considered. A mixer and speakers will be provided. All other equipment must be provided by the composer/sound artist.

Submissions must be received via email by 11:59 pm, December 20, 2008, and should include in separate attachments:

* A proposal of 100-250 words.

* An abstract of about 100 words suitable for publication on the conference website.

* A cover letter containing the author's name, proposal title, institutional affiliation, and technical support and equipment needs.

* A short video clip (URL or MPEG-4).
Please email submissions to:
theorizingthespacebetween@gmail.com

Further conference information is available at the conference website www.music.ualberta.ca