For laptop ensemble (2024)
Commissioned by Peabody Laptop Ensemble
Program Notes
In RPG games, we make sure to stop by the save point to rest and recover before entering the
boss stage. If the boss defeats us, we come back to the save point. From there on, we
restrategize, level up, or regain the courage to face the challenge. We need to have a save spot
in our lives as well. I invite performers and audiences to pause, listen to the quiet part, and rest
when experiencing Save Point By The Lake.
Download scores and SuperCollider files here
Save Point By The Lake was commissioned and premiered by Peabody Laptop Ensemble. The world premiere was on April 4th, 2025. The recording below is a demo version made by the composer. The premiere version should be available soon to listen.
Setup
- Download and install SuperCollider
- Download and uncompress the performance files from www.joowonpark.net/savepointbythelake
- Put the SavePoint folder on the Desktop (important step)
- Open SavePointBytTheLake.scd in SuperCollider
- In SuperCollider Menu, select Language -> Evaluate File
- Follow the instructions in the score
- Hardware Setup
- Each performer needs a laptop
- If there are few performers, the audio output of the laptop should be connected to an amp or PA. If there are many performers, audio output from laptops’ built-in speakers may be loud enough
- Performers can fullscreen the GUI and increase the brightness for a visual effect
- A PC user may need to adjust the keyboard repeat rate if the CPU is overloading
Score Interpretation
- Divide the ensemble into two groups, P1 and P2.
- Boxed words indicate specific buttons to press on the SuperCollider patch.
- The traditionally-notated part shows the rhythm and number of voicings. Play all quarter notes as staccato. For example, in measure 2 above, press keys a, f, and j simultaneously on the downbeat.
- [bracketted letters] indicate which keys to press, including the [space] bar. Note that low-case letters and upper-case letters make different sounds.
- Improvise at slash notation. Perform according to the written instructions.