Seven Bird Watchers – for electronic ensemble

Compositions, Research

Seven Bird Watchers (2019) for a drum machine ensemble.  For a performance, three or more drum machine players change parameters of the machine according to the score. The pulse of the drum machines is synced to a customized sync track that fluctuates seven times between slow and fast. Three percussive instruments make bird-like chirping when they are on speedy tempo.

The score is available at the following link.

https://joowonpark.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SevenBirdWatchers.pdf

The sync signals are downloadable in the following link in three formats: mp3, SuperCollider file (.scd), and mp4 (video).

Seven Bird Watchers Performance Data

Here’s a tutorial video on how to interpret the score

 

Func Step Mode – for drum machine and mixer feedback

Compositions, Performances, ,


Func Step Mode is a solo piece featuring two instruments I love: a no-input mixer and a drum machine. The output of the drum machine feeds into the no-input mixer affecting the rhythm and timbre of already-rich sound palette. The no-input (or rather, one-input) mixer thus becomes an analog audio processor with too many knobs to control, which makes every improvisation thrilling and daunting for me. The hardware and their setup for Func Step Mode are attenable and replicable, but I think I play these instruments with a distinct voice.

Analysis of DualShock 4 as a Musical Instrument

Research

My article, Analysis of DualShock 4 as a Musical Instrument, is in there. It’s also available online at:

http://keams.org/emille/emille/emille_16/emille_16.pdf#page=51

Abstract:

Sony’s DualShock 4 can be used as an affordable and readily-available musical instrument that may not require additional software to establish a connection with the computer. Despite the effortless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB, DualShock 4’s number of functioning inputs varies depending on the applications and the communication method. The author analyzed and documented DualShock 4’s mapping scheme for Max and SuperCollider in this article so that it may be served as a reference for composition and performance projects. While buttons and joysticks behave much like MIDI controllers, some distinct features of DualShock 4, such as the trackpad, built-in timer, and SIXAXIS, have unusual mapping schemes and ranges.

Below are two relevant videos to the paper:

Cobalt Vase – solo for drum machine

Compositions, Performances

Cobalt Vase is a solo piece for a drum machine. The drum machine (and other electronic instruments) is a musical instrument, and therefore one gets better at playing it with more practice. I did not want to operate Korg Volca Beats to record a drum track in a DAW. Instead, I wanted to become good enough to improvise, adapt, and perform with features unique to the instrument. I think I can “play the scales without looking at my fingers” on Volca Beat at this point. Jeff Mills’ TR-909 Workout, which demonstrated that how to use counts more than what you use, is a direct inspiration for Cobalt Vase.

Dubious Toppings – for piano and electronic ensemble

Compositions, Performances, Research, ,

A pizza-themed piece for piano and large electronic ensemble.
Performance by EMEWS (April 2019)
Joo Won Park – piano, composer
Gavin Langley – audio engineer
Sean MacKillop – video
Andy Garcia, Ebony Swain, Jacob Joslin, James Stanulet, Jessica Cory, Martin Davis, Samuel Sprague, Thane Hall, Tyler Smith, Alex MacColl-Artrip, Benjamin Schornack, Hunter Desjarlais, Gavin Langley, Josh West, Justin Carrier, Nicholas Schnorberger, Trent Nedbal, Patrick Norton, and Taylor Vaughan – laptops

Click the link below for Dubious Toppings Score and SuperCollider File

https://app.box.com/s/y9okvvzzklvg31xa676hestvjjqw9mfm