FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bates Computer Music Students To Perform

LEWISTON, Maine -- Students at Bates College will demonstrate that computers can be used to create music in two concert performances on Friday (12/8) at 8 pm and Sunday (12/10) at 7:30 p.m. in the Olin Arts Concert Hall. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Students of "Computers, Music and the Arts," a course taught by Bates Professor of Music William Matthews, have created a number of compositions and arrangements using digital synthesizers controlled by computers. In addition to producing soundtracks for brief film clips, the students have digitally edited and mixed sounds.

The two informal concerts will present two entirely different programs, featuring the work of 16 students. The pieces to be performed will include live acoustic instruments combined with computer sounds, slides, video and other multi-media accompaniment.

"The students have gained some insight into artificial intelligence and how one can model the creative process," Matthews said. "They have collaborated in groups to create programs that 'compose' in realtime and have made some tunes using artificial voices to 'sing' lyrics with these programs. They have used samplers to learn how pop musicians put together songs from bits of historical pop recordings," he said.

#     #     #