Atmosphere

For Flute and live electronics

Background:

Atmosphere was inspired by the beauty in breath and fresh air. Picture clear blue skies, cool breezes, crisp clouds floating by, and the calm one feels after a deep inhalation. Atmosphere loops and manipulates the flutist’s sound in real time during performance using interactive software, Max/MSP/Jitter, also known as Max. When the patch is given the command to start (by pressing the spacebar when the patch is locked), it triggers several pre-recorded audio files to play during specific points in the piece. This particular patch is automated based on a master clock and beat counter; Max automatically starts looping, overdubbing, and manipulating the live flute sound when certain beat numbers are reached. The flutist may want a friend to monitor the audio levels during performance in case the volume needs to be adjusted.

Equipment:

To perform Atmosphere, you will need the following equipment:

·      A laptop onstage or offstage if a friend is helping

·      Software: Max/MSP/Jitter, also known as Max, running the patch I created for Atmosphere. Max is a visual programming language developed by software company Cycling ’74. To find computer system requirements to run Max, visit https://cycling74.com/downloads/sys-reqs.

·      A dynamic microphone and microphone stand

·      XLR cable with male and female ends

·      An audio interface to connect the microphone to the laptop

·      A set of speakers connected to the computer directed towards the audience and, if necessary, a monitor speaker directed back at the performer. While playing Atmosphere, the performer must be able to hear the fixed media file, which acts as a metronome.