MIDI Ensemble
Description
The MIDI Ensemble provides UAB Music Technology and other interested students with a means of performing their works which involve computer-realized sound. Membership ranges from five to ten persons each term. Each member of the ensemble produces an original composition or arrangement to be performed in the group's public concert. There are also one or two group projects for the ensemble for each concert, where each member of the group composes a section of a complete work. A mix of different musical styles is encouraged; anything from classical through popular and experimental forms is welcome. The ensemble meets twice weekly for two hours each session.
Inter-Arts Collaborations
Members are encouraged to work with creative student artists in other fields. The MIDI Ensemble is an ideal venue to create works with visual artists, dancers, or writers.
Facility
The MIDI Ensemble rehearses in the Humanities Building's room 426. This lab/rehearsal space was specifically designed for the needs of the MIDI Ensemble and other small computer-classroom instruction. Six workstations house an impressive array of computers, synthesizers, and other electronic sound equipment.
- Two PowerMac 8100/100 AV Computers
- Four Macintosh Performa 636 Computers
- Four Kawai GMega Sound Modules
- Four Kawai Keyboard Controllers
- Two Roland JV90 Synthesizers
- Four Lexicon Reflex Reverberation/Effects Units
- Turbosynth SC Sound Design Software
- Sound Designer SC Sound Editing Software
- SampleCell II Sample Player Card
- Performer Sequencing Software
- Finale Music Notation Software
- DA-88 Digital Audio Tape Recorder
- Complete Audio Mixing and Playback Hardware
- Video and Multimedia Software
- Macromedia Director
- Authorware
- Adobe Photoshop
- Radius Videovision
- Mikrotek Scanner
- VCR
The computers are networked to each other via LocalTalk. They are also connected via Ethernet to UAB's Internet connection, whereby users may make use of email, gopherspace, ftp, and the world wide web.
Prerequisites
- MU 115 Making Music with Microcomputers
- MU 251 Theory I
- MU 254 Aural Skills I
- MU 252 Theory II
- MU 255 Aural Skills II
- MU 341 MIDI Scoring and Sequencing I
Numbers four through six may be waived upon permission of the director.
Course Credit and Ensemble Requirements
Successful participation in MIDI Ensemble is worth two credit hours. Music Technology majors must pass MIDI Ensemble twice in order to graduate. Participation in MIDI Ensemble counts towards the ten-quarter ensemble participation requirement. It does not count as a major ensemble for the requirement of eight credit hours in major ensembles.
Director
Dr. Michael Angell is the director of the MIDI Ensemble.
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