13 April practice

As a lead up to our upcoming performances we focussed on beginnings and endings today.
Starting with the voice we entered the space, built up a clear soundscape score/musical structure, let it crescendo or not, finding the end together and leaving the space together. We practiced this several times before letting the body come in or influence the sounds. When it came in by accident or design we let it happen. Gradually more body came in.
Notes: to give silence its place, stick with a clear rhythm or sound when starting so we know where you are and can build on that base (stick to your own "instrument" in the orchestra, not changing from one to the other unless we can clearly notice that your "instrument" is made up of constant change), we can be the same "instrument" as another person to reinforce them.

Yoann was interested to see what would happen if we continued after the "end" of a beginning, passing through the unknown "searching" to find a new soundscape or focus. We tried 15mins and found that it had quite a different quality, was a little scary for some to be lost.
Notes: when you don't know what to do just listen, do nothing or leave if you zone out.

Next we did the same as beginning but only with movement. We found it much harder to "listen" to the rhythms proposed. Manipulation & physical contact started happening a lot naturally so we really went with it at times.
Notes: thinking about timing (at same time as someone, before or after) helps; we have a "default setting" in terms of timing as a group ie. fast- be aware of this so we don't fall into the trap every time.

We also practiced being in the space to start, being still for a long time before moving or sounding (to practice for beginning in Beurs). This was very hard for Yo & Agos, so we practiced some more! It seemed to build a good energy between us to start the piece.

If anyone wants to fill in possible gaps in this info please go ahead! I think it's important to keep documenting our practice for the ones who cannot be there, and our 3 followers, including Kristian in NZ! Maybe you'll meet him one day...I played in a studio with him while in NZ which was loads of fun. We have a lot in common, including work with Julyen. I'll fill you in our our practice session later when I'm over jetlag!