50:50 Online Presents The Blank Canvas Octet Spring series

50:50 Online project present The Blank Canvas Octet

This is a `telematic` project, that is it is an online event hosted by zoom.us

The genre is free improvisation in music.

The Blank Canvas Octet is a project based in the UK and online exploring free improvisation in music in a large ensemble context.

During COVID-19 participants from any location are welcome.

Event information:

Schedule: Weekly on a Wednesday

Doors, session starts at 19.00 UTC +1 - for a sound check by the musicians

The performance starts 19.30

Types of attendance and participation

1. Audience, just listen
2. As a ghost - play along to the performance but with your sound on mute
3. As a participant.

Green Room - Q&A session

There is an online `green room` meeting one hour before the session starts at 18.00 GMT. This is your opportunity to ask questions, and to learn from answers if this is for you.

You only have to attend the `green room` pre concert session once.

What happens next? what does a ticket offer you?

The ticketing system registers your interest in this project. You will be invited to the `green room` Q&A session on zoom ` for a conversation to share the nature and practice of this session, what it offers and if it is for you. All levels of ability are welcome.

The offer is weekly and restricted to three tickets per session, if sold out, simply register for the following week or date that suits you.

System 50:50

The Octet uses the ‘system 50:50` - where chess clocks are used to bring cohesion to the sound field which can often become cluttered. The result is a dynamic and shifting canvas of sound that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project to participate in, to witness and to hear.

What people have said about system 50;50 and free improvisation

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, improviser, Sheffield.

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.`

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

Listening forward to meeting you and hearing you play

Phil Morton : Liverpool:UK