6th Annual Most Significant Bytes Multimedia Concert to Be Held March 18

March 11, 2004

The 6th Annual Most Significant Bytes multimedia concert, produced by Dr. Jerome Miskell, assistant professor of music at Mount Union College, will be held Thursday, March 18 at 8 p.m. in Presser Recital Hall, featuring cutting-edge avant-garde works for computer generated and electronically manipulated sound, digital sound and video, and live performances for saxophone and computer modeled instruments.

Matthew Burtner

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Guest artist Dr. Matthew Burtner will perform unique and exciting live works for hybrid acoustic/computer instruments. These hybrid instruments combine the articulatory characteristics of a soprano saxophone but the body of imaginary virtual instruments "modeled" by the computer. The modeled computer instrument listens and responds to Burtner's acoustic playing on the saxophone in real time.

At 10:30 a.m., also on March 18 and in Presser Recital Hall, Burtner will present a convocation featuring interactive media and network music featuring MICE (Music for Interactive Computers Ensemble). This lecture performance will involve students who will be integrated into a MICE network programmed by Burtner. MICE is an improvisational interactive acoustics ensemble using networked computers and alternate controllers. The MICE uses Jitter/MSP/Max running on multiple computers for multimedia interaction. This presentation will consist of a 10-minute performance followed by a lecture on issues arising from the performance, such as interactive acoustics, virtual reality and human - computer interaction.

Burtner was the first prize winner in the Musica Nova International Electroacoustic Music Competition. Currently, Burtner is assistant professor of composition and computer music at the University of Virginia, where he is also associate director of the VCCM Computer Music Center.

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the department of music at (330) 823-2180.