mmmodular

The outline below was adapted during the session to allow a guided and cohesive group exploration. ‘Pass the noise’ was used as a warm up listening activity after participants had connected their instruments. The game then blended into the first section, ‘Ambience’.

Icebreaker

Pass the Noise 10 mins

• A game in which participants make noises.

• Noises can be made with the body, voice, or any object that can safely be used in the context of the game. Each noise should be between 2 and 10s long. The game should commence with a relaxed pace, but participants can change the pace by making faster noises and pointing more rapidly, or by making slower noises and pointing slower.

• The facilitator begins by making a noise. They then point at another participant.

• The participant who is pointed at then makes a noise, and points at another participant. This continues.

• After several noises, the facilitator will point at another participant, this participant should also make a noise, then points to another participant, etc (there will be two noises occurring simultaneously)

• If two participants point at the same person at the same time, that person should make one noise, point to another participant, then make another.

• If a participant points before they make a noise, they should still make a noise then point at another participant again after.

• If a participant makes a noise accidentally before they are pointed at, or even though they have not been pointed at, the next person they point at should still make a noise.

• If a participant is pointed at they make a noise then point at someone.

• Due to natural errors and potential shenanigans, it is anticipated that more and more participants will make sounds during the course of the game. This is OK.

• The game ends when it gets too silly.

Main Session

The session is broken into 4 distinct sections. Each section will run for a period of time, and may have a 'changeover' included in it where participants swap in or out. The initial section will be unclocked, to allow people who wish to participate in a 'clocked' section to work through the logistics of connections in the lounge area.

Sections

• • Ambience (an ambient exploration – unclocked/unsynced) 40 mins

  • Experimental (an exploration of strange sounds and texture – unclocked/unsynced then synced) 40 mins

  • Rhythm (a rhythmic and or melodic exploration – synced) 40 mins

  • Noise (a chaotic nightmare of sonic destruction) 40 mins

During each portion, a set number of participants (5-10 depending on how set up goes) will play 'together' - this does not mean everyone plays at once. It should be considered that listening to other people and fitting in with the vibes is the most important role of each participant.

Participants may move in and out of the space during the sessions, and can 'swap out' with another participant. Based on the comfort of each participant with others touching their equipment, free experimentation on unfamiliar equipment is strongly encouraged.