The Music of Hunter Ewen

Circles on Quiet Water

2011-09-28T07:54:00.000-06:00

For those in the Boulder/Denver area tonight, come out and see the premiere of my viola and electronics composition, Circles on Quiet Water! It's being performed by the excellent Cassandra Mueller, and there are many other excellent new works on the show as well.

World Record Ballon Blower-upper

2011-09-14T23:57:00.001-06:00

Hello all. Many have seen this on Facebook, but here is the video of me breaking the Guinness Record for most balloons inflated in 1 hour by 1 person. The new record is 582, as you can see below.

Ohia and Lehua Friday Night

2011-09-14T23:53:00.001-06:00

Hello Lexingtonians! I will be performing my solo sax and electronics piece Ohia and Lehua Friday night as part of the Studio 300 festival at Transylvania University. The concert starts at 7:30pm, in Haggin Auditorium at the Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Hope to see you there!

Kickstarter is online

2011-09-06T17:12:00.000-06:00

Hello bloggers! The official Kickstarter page to fund my multimedia extravaganza "I Am Watch Television Zombie" is online! Check it out here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/905261689/i-am-watch-television-zombie-a-multimedia-extravag

We need your help to make the project a huge success - both in terms of donations and in terms of helping us come up with names, images, and videos to project during the show! Brraaaaaaaains!!!

Casanova at Twilight - Tickets on Sale Now

2011-08-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

Tickets just went on sale for my new musical comedy! Performances will happen in the ATLAS Black Box Theater. The show's dates are 9/23, 9/24, 9/25, 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, and 10/3, with 7:30 shows on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 shows on Sundays.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Lock up your daughters! Casanova at Twilight is a scandalous new musical comedy written by Bill Mooney, with original music by Hunter Ewen, based on Casanova’s autobiography. This musical romp through Casanova’s scandalous life is directed by Valorie Goodall, and features Bill Mooney as Old Casanova, Garrett Smith as Young Casanova, with Leigh Holman, Jeffrey Kash, Bjorn Arvidsson, Emily Murdock, Kari Kraakevik, David L’Hommedieu, and Bruce and Jere Mock.

TICKETS:
- Single tickets $30
- $5 student rush tickets available at the door for CU-Boulder students with valid Buff One Card

Visit CuPresents.org (or click here) or call 303-492-8008 for tickets

Ohia and Lehua Tomorrow

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-06:00

Hello all! For those in the Denver area on Friday, 5/13/11, I will be performing my composition Ohia and Lehua, at Hamilton Hall, in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 Friday. The show "Here and Now" is being presented by the Playground Ensemble, as part of their 2011-2012 concert series. Tickets are free for students.

New Pictures

2011-05-08T11:13:00.000-06:00

It comes to my attention that this blog doesn't have a lot of pictures of me! Here is a set taken by the multi-talented Brandon Labadie, the day before he leaves for Juilliard.

Friday 4/29 6:30pm at Denver Art Museum

2011-04-21T17:29:00.000-06:00

Hello blog-readers,

Just a heads up, if you're in Denver a week from Friday... I have a few performance events scheduled as part of the "Untitled" Series at the Denver Art Museum. My 35 minute silent film Etude 2 will be projected on the massive ceiling of the museum during the exhibit. I will also be teaming up with the incredible soprano singer Emily Sinclair for an interactive performance piece called "Open Score". We will be performing together from a giant score that is composed by the audience during the exhibit (gulp). Also, if you stick around for the party afterwards, you may hear my composition Saxy Dream being performed at the reception.

Denver Art Museum Ceiling

Denver Art Museum from the Outside

Choir on Sunday

2011-04-06T23:06:00.000-06:00

Good day. If you are not in Kansas City this weekend, then maybe you are in Boulder or Denver. My composition Red River Folk Tale will have two performances Sunday, starting at 7:30 as part of an epic all choir evening in Grusin Hall, at CU-Boulder. More information here.

April 9th Concert

2011-04-06T23:01:00.000-06:00

Hello all. For those in the Kansas City area, I have two events coming up on Saturday. I am presenting a paper in the morning at UMKC on why we like bad music, and I am performing Ohia and Lehua, for saxophone and electronics as part of the Midwestern Collegiate Composers Exchange. More information is available at http://emccomposers.org/

Monkey Attack

2011-03-20T20:23:00.001-06:00

Here is a video of the world premiere of Invasion of the Monkey Mind. If I ever get a free minute, I'll put up a copy of the score for any interested trumpet players. Big things are brewing; I'll be in touch when I can announce them. In the video, as a special St. Patrick's day treat, I wore my greenest shirt. Enjoy!

Red River Folk Tale

2011-03-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

Hello all - hope you're doing well. For those in the Boulder/Denver area, come out to CU Boulder to see Jeff Gemmell conduct the incredible CU University Choir as they perform my new composition Red River Folk Tale. In addition to two other world premieres, the concert also features Reich's Violin Phase and Benson's Passing Bells. If you have to miss this performance, there will be others, so stay tuned!

Invasion of the Monkey Mind

2011-02-15T17:02:00.001-07:00

For those in the Boulder/Denver area, please keep in mind an excellent performance Wednesday the 23rd at the ATLAS Black Box Theater. My piece, Invasion of the Monkey Mind, will be closing the concert. The performance will feature trumpet legend, CU-Boulder faculty member, and all-around nice guy, Terry Sawchuk, as he asks the question, "Can you handle the monkey?"

For those who are curious, below is an excerpt from the score.

The Monsters Live

2011-02-15T16:55:00.003-07:00

Hello all. A new video of last week's Monster Party surfaced, with super awesome close-ups of the Monsters in action. Enjoy!

Premiere Tomorrow

2011-01-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

For those in the Boulder/Denver area tomorrow (1/26), please visit the CU Boulder campus for the premiere of my new piece Monster Party, for 24 monsters who play violin. The work was written for Lina Bahn and the CU violin studio, and it is based on the art of Stefan Bucher (here).

Things I Like

2010-08-14T15:46:00.003-06:00

Looking back, I decided to create some abstract designs (with Olly Moss in mind) of things that I like. See if you can guess all of them!

Tethered

2010-05-12T13:44:00.002-06:00

EJ Just shared a few cool looking pictures from a show I performed in last weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ieeej/sets/72157623909760611/

Does screaming "Happy" repeatedly count as performing?

Ohia and Lehua

2010-04-08T13:31:00.004-06:00

For those of you in the Boulder area, I am premiering my newest composition Wednesday 4/14 at 7:30pm in Grusin Hall at CU Boulder. This piece was commissioned as part of the Edward Levy prize, which I won in 2009 for Ultradian Bipolar Disorder. If you're not in town, I'll upload a video of the performance soon.

Lily Foster Video

2010-04-08T13:01:00.008-06:00

Here are few videos from my recent performance, Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster. Much of the piece is intended for mature audiences, but the following clips are appropriate for internet exhibition. Enjoy.

Percussion Performance

2010-04-08T12:56:00.003-06:00

As I'm working on videos from Lily Foster, please enjoy a video of me (with Ryan Wurst, Janet Feder, and Michael Theodore) performing one of Michel's compositions. I'm the one in the background, bowing the high pitched symbol.

Sound and Video Installation

2010-03-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

For those of you in Boulder today, drop by the Boulder Public Library
and see my composition, 'Elements' in conjunction with the Pendulum
New Music Society's 'Music in Motion' concert.

Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster

2010-02-23T23:39:00.004-07:00

I'm prepping for a lot of different events right now. But this Saturday, at 7:30pm in the ATLAS Black Box theater, Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster will be premiered! Please visit my sister site www.LilyFoster.org for more information about the show and to make a free reservation. Also, if you missed the awesome video installation in ATLAS last week, we'll be hanging the visual art from the installation around the performance space. Hope to see everyone there!

Performance Tonight

2010-02-17T22:48:00.001-07:00

For those of you in the Boulder Area, I have a couple pieces on the
ATLAS Pendulum concert (on campus at CU). One is a jazz waltz from
Lily Foster, my upcoming show (2/27, www.LilyFoster.org). I'm also
playing gong and vibration motor in a prelude by the physical
computing lab (synthesized by Michael Theodore). Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Performances

2010-01-24T17:56:00.002-07:00

Here are a few events that I'm involved with happening in the near future:

2/17 a selection of music, video, and dance from Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster 7:30pm in the ATLAS Black Box Theater

3/7 video piece and improvisation as part of a "concert in motion". This will occur at the Boulder Public Library at a time TBA

2/15-2/25 visual art, video, and sound installation in the main atrium at the ATLAS building.

2/27 Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster, 7:30pm in ATLAS Black Box. Chamber orchestra, dance, arial dance, visual art, poetry, video, theater, and electronics. Tickets will be available soon at www.LilyFoster.org

I am also working on a commission for the April pendulum concert, several projects for ATLAS in the spring, spinning off movements of Lily Foster for other performances, and a work for John Gunther's three-day show in March. More news on these events when the details become more concrete.

Unsilent Night

2009-12-12T11:04:00.001-07:00

There is a nice writeup about our recent Unsilent Night performance in
Boulder. Enjoy:

http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_13981709

New Video Piece

2009-10-11T09:31:00.002-06:00

On October 20th, 7:30pm, Hsing-ay Hsu will be performing a wonderful
concert of traditional Chinese piano music in Grusin hall. Included
in the concert is a video piece I made to accompany a traditional
Chinese love song.

Crumb Video Wall

2009-09-08T14:39:00.001-06:00

My video wall that was commissioned for the George Crumb festival here
at CU is up! Please enjoy some vintage photographs, original
manuscripts, handwritten sketches, and footage from concerts this
week. The exhibit can be found in the ATL&S atrium.

Edward Levy Prize

2009-09-03T21:30:00.002-06:00

It was just announced that my Ultradian Bipolar Disorder is the recipient of Colorado's "Edward Levy Prize." The prize is in presented to an outstanding graduate composition in honor of noted Denver businessman and philanthropist Edward Levy. The prize includes a commission for a brand new work, which will be announced as soon as more information becomes available. My sincere thanks to the selection committee and everyone involved!

Wedding

2009-05-12T18:48:00.001-06:00

I will be out of email or telephone contact (except for emergencies)
from now until May 31st. Megan and I will be in Atlanta for the
wedding ceremony, followed by Hawaii for our honeymoon. We will have
more updates and pictures at http://www.meganandhunter.com Happy
Wedding!

ATL&S Interactive Player Piano Installation

2009-05-04T10:25:00.002-06:00

If you're around the ATL&S Building this week, check out the premiere of my Purple Donkey Pomegranate, for player piano. E.J. Posselius has created a neat user interface where you can turn on or off one of three tracks played by a Disklavier piano. His installation will be available in the lobby of the ATL&S building at CU on Tuesday, May 5th until 4:00pm and Thursday, May 7th until 7:00pm.

Open Me - Performance Tomorrow

2009-04-23T21:57:00.002-06:00

If you're in the Denver area tomorrow, check out my 'Open Me', being performed as part of the excellent CoCoCo (Colorado Composers Concert) by the Playground Ensemble. There are also two other great performances by CU Composers Greg Simon and Anthony Green (as well as a lot of other works by Colorado composers) on the same concert. Pre-concert lecture starts at 6:00, and the concert is at 7:30, at the Kenneth King Center for the Performing Arts, at DU.

8 New Videos

2009-03-30T00:20:00.009-06:00

As promised, here are the videos from my most recent premiere, elements. The preferred viewing order is as follows:

Introduction

Crescendo

Fermata

Staccato (ugh, it drops a lot of frames)

Trill

Slur

Sforzando

Decrescendo

YouTube is experimenting with a new HD mode, but at the time being, my videos are failing to play at that resolution. Anyway, please enjoy!

Unconventional Publishing

2009-03-13T15:00:00.005-06:00

So as strange as this seems, my latest soprano/piano piece Open Me is published in the latest issue of Ouroboros (a poetry and art magazine). The images from the score are placed next to Amy Pence's original poetry. There is (at least for now) a free version available online, or you can purchase print issues from their website. You can listen to an mp3 here, or watch videos of the premiere here and here.

New Premiere 3/18

2009-02-25T12:04:00.004-07:00

I'd like to invite anyone in the Boulder/Denver area to a cool new premiere of my multimedia composition Elements. The performance is on 3/18, in the Atlas Black Box Theater, at CU-Boulder. The composition was written for video and 5.1 surround sound (in the DVD format), so it differs significantly from Gi•nt's Eye in its ease of use and simple setup! After the concert I will be posting youtubes of the videos, so be on the lookout!

Alarm Will Sound

2009-01-18T10:17:00.003-07:00

If you're interested, the unbelievably talented new music ensemble "Alarm Will Sound" is doing my piece Ultradian Bipolar Disorder, tonight in Grusin Hall at CU Boulder. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by at 6:00.

2009 CoCoCo Competition Winner

2008-12-19T14:32:00.004-07:00

I just heard from The Playground Ensemble that my piece Open Me for soprano and piano was selected as one of the winners of the Colorado Composers Concert Call for Scores. The performance will be on 4/25/09, but I will post more details as they become available. Thanks to everyone on the selection committee!

Unsilent Night

2008-12-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Check out Megan and me in a fun piece of performance art by Phil Kline. It's called Unsilent Night and consists of carrying boom boxes around downtown Boulder, playing some pretty, ambient music. Video is courtesy of the Daily Camera.

New Ultradian Bipolar Disorder Videos

2008-12-11T00:38:00.006-07:00

Firstly, I am well aware that many of my recent posts have been videos. A video section is on the way. In the mean time, please enjoy this recording of Ultradian Bipolar Disorder. If you want a mastered, excellent sounding version, please visit my compositions page. I also have an excellent new shopping cart on that page if you are interested in scores.

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder: part 1 of 2

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder: part 2 of 2

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder Premiere

2008-11-12T23:17:00.002-07:00

If you're on the CU Boulder campus tonight, please check out my premiere of Ultradian Bipolar Disorder. There's also 3 other premieres, and Stravinsky's Les Noces. It's going to be a very cool concert.

Gi•nt's Eye Rehearsal, Altered

2008-11-07T20:54:00.006-07:00

So I got it in my head to post videos of all the "background fodder" I used for Gi•nt's Eye. Some of it is pretty cool, and a lot of it doesn't show up on the current videos I have online (since it was a 2 night performance, the projected video changed from one night to the other). For right now, let me just post this one. It's from a rehearsal of Gi•nt's Eye, with the dancers experimenting and the piano being controlled by MaxMSP. Keep in mind the piano programming (at the time the video was recorded) has NO MELODY and NO ADDITIONAL PEOPLE playing live. The result is loud and "whack whack whack" but kind of dull :)

I added some video filtering (ghosting, saturation) and captured the film to use as a quasi-dynamic background, on which I mixed real time video during the performance. Enjoy:

Update: After adding all these videos, I'm starting to get very serious about the idea of including a video section. Maybe after DMA applications are sent out! In the mean time, here's another video of a performance from the Boulder library that I altered in a similar way for the performance.

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder

2008-11-06T22:36:00.003-07:00

I have an update about my newest premiere, Ultradian Bipolar Disorder. The premiere is Wednesday, November 12th at 7:30pm (at Grusin Hall, in the music building of CU-Boulder). I'm starting to really get into posting on youtube, so I'll try to have a video up in the next couple weeks.

Before the concert actually takes place, I wanted to say a few words about new music on campus. I've been fortunate to work with a group of people that are, without exception, very excited and very enthusiastic about new music. As a composer, this is a huge relief - we have all been to rehearsals that feel like pulling teeth, and my experience with this group has been one of sheer joy and unbridled enthusiasm. I want to list all the performers below and mention that, as composers, we are forever indebted to these people that take hours and hours of their life to perfect that which we ask of them - and to those who put their musical reputations on the line to perform our music, to speak with our voice. Thank you all:

Emma Shubin, Katie Bloise, Paul Farus, Neal Postma, Tyler Sherban, Kristi Kilgore, Greg Simon, Max Ripple, Anthony Green, Filip Lazovski, Sam Gathman, Anne Ristorcelli, Lexi Massey, and our ever-vigilant conductor Stephanie Texara.

New Harry Potter Video

2008-11-06T22:00:00.006-07:00

Before you ask, yes it is a $5 harry potter wand duct-taped to the end of a nintendo wii-mote. This piece is a great example of why youtube is terrible. As hard as Case Western tried, and as good a job that they did recording and mastering this - Harry Potter Returns to Hogwarts is a piece that absolutely relies on surround sound. There are things constantly being thrown around, spinning and moving - and almost all of that is lost on youtube. Case Western did a great job of presenting the piece in full surround sound (and Amasa Stone Chapel is a perfect venue for a Harry Potter piece), but youtube just can't hack it :)

Putting that issue aside, the video turned out to be pretty cool! Check it out below.

Update: I think it's worth mentioning a specific element of this piece I really liked. As my much tech class can attest, I am constantly complaining about two things: uninformative titles of pieces and using tech for the sake of tech.

I won't attest to the quality (or lack thereof) of my title, but I can say that what I like most about this piece is that there is no visible computer (or other tech). From the perspective of the audience, there is no intermediary - no system of translation between my intent and their perceived meaning. Modern wireless protocols allow us to break down that computerized barrier that separates (often times physically) performers from audience. You are not staring blindly at a set of speakers. You are also not starring at a person who is staring at (or at least focused on) a computer or other automated system. Everything becomes organic. It's personal.

This is a piece without score, largely improvisatory - which requires the tech I used (and nothing more). It is also a presentation that draws the audience and performer together. This is the future of electronic (electro-acoustic) music, or at least this is what I hope it will be. I don't want people to have to draw meaning and musical sentiment from inanimate objects; I want to establish a connection (a mechanism of trust) between performer and audience.

These thoughts are rough hewn and extemporaneous; I may post a longer, more thought out version on the Cu-Pendulum blog.

Program Notes - Novus Ordo Seclorum

2008-11-06T21:51:00.001-07:00

Click here for a link to a basic explanation of how the tech in Novus Ordo Seclorum Works. The description is mine, but the layout and formatting is from the wonderful composer Paul Hembree.

Update: there's also the briefest of mentions of me in the local paper. The article is very Michael Daugherty, not very me - but still worth a mention ;)

New Novus Ordo Seclorum Video

2008-11-02T12:13:00.005-07:00

Here's a new video from last month's premiere of Novus Ordo Seclorum. I'm getting so many videos on this site, I think I'll make a separate page for them. In the mean time, enjoy these new videos.

Part 1

Part 2

New Open Me Video

2008-11-02T12:07:00.004-07:00

From the premiere, here is the video of Open Me. The poetry is by Amy Pence, the music and graphics are mine.

Movements 1-3

Movements 4-5

Newest Premiere - Open Me

2008-10-05T13:00:00.004-06:00

Wednesday, 10/15 will be the premiere of my new set of song cycles, Open Me. This piece features poetry by Amy Pence, as well as graphical scores - which will be projected behind the performers. It will take place at 7:30 pm in Grusin hall, at CU-Boulder.

Oh, and Michael Daugherty will be there, so you know it will be awesome!!

Cleveland Concert

2008-09-20T12:56:00.000-06:00

If you're in cleveland Wednesday, drop by Amasa Stone at 12:30 for the premiere of my new piece "Harry Potter Returns to Hogwarts". If you're not around, I'll post a youtube as soon as it's available. I am also waiting on the youtube from last week's premiere "Novus Ordo Seclorum".

Colorado Daily

2008-09-17T10:11:00.003-06:00

Check out a cool article about me in today's Colorado Daily, p.4

Premiere

2008-09-15T12:58:00.002-06:00

My newest premiere is in Boulder, at CU, in Grusin hall. It's called Novus Ordo Seclorum, and was commissioned for Constitution Day by the University of Colorado. It uses a projected score, a series of dramatic readings, and I sing at the end (processed audio of course). There also may or may not be fireworks. If you can't attend, I'll post a youtube when it's up.

Radio Interview and Other Press

2008-09-12T08:49:00.000-06:00

Check out the radio interview I'm doing for Boulder 1190. It's on Sunday at 7:30pm. Also, there's a really nifty press release circulating about the premiere. I've included it below:

CONSTITUTION DAY CONCERT CELEBRATION FEATURES COMPOSITION PRIZE WINNER

A prize-winning composition by a CU-Boulder student that seeks to reflect in music what our founding fathers were feeling when they gathered to write the Constitution will be performed in a concert in celebration of Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

“Novus Ordo Seclorum” (New Order for the Ages), by Hunter Ewen, a master’s student in composition, will be featured in the Pendulum New Music Concert Series on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The concert, which opens with “Fanfare” by Daniel Kellogg, commissioned and performed by the CU Horn Choir, will be held in Grusin Music Hall. It will be free and open to the public, with a reception following.

Ewen’s piece won the Constitution Day composition competition cosponsored by CU-Boulder’s College of Music and the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement.
When composing the piece, Ewen set out to capture the ethos of the political culture at the time of the Philadelphia convention. On Sept. 17, 1787, 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention adopted the Constitution of the United States of America. The Constitution officially took effect on March 4, 1789.

“There are several unusual elements in this composition, all of which reinforce the sense of community, as well as the idea of stepping off a ledge and diving headfirst into the unknown,” said Ewen, who composed the piece to include a set of live performers underscoring a series of dramatic readings, where music is generated and notated by a computer.

“Their uncertainties about the future of the country translate into our uncertainties about what’s going to happen next, musically,” said Ewen. “Their sense of community becomes are sense of community, their fearlessness becomes our fearlessness.”

Each year the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement undertakes a project to commemorate the constitution. Activities from past years include an art competition, debates, and online quizzes.

“We try to keep it lively and sponsor an activity that will capture people’s imaginations,” said Peter Simons, director of the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement.

Call the College of Music Concerts Box Office at 303-492-8008 for
information about this performance. For more information about the College of Music visit http://www.colorado.edu/music. Information on the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement is available at http://www.colorado.edu/iece.

Moving Images

2008-08-28T14:27:00.001-06:00

Experiencing moving images is a fairly common occurrence in modern society. Please see here if you don't know what I mean. My new piece, Novus Ordo Seclorum is going to explore that phenomenon. With a projected score, procedurally generated, the performers will be repeating short musical gestures (a la Riley's in C) that morph and evolve over time. The performance is celebrating Constitution day, and will be performed on Constitution day (9/17) at 7:30pm, Grusin Hall, University of Colorado at boulder. Please inquire with requests for score rental, if interested. I would be happy to send out the Max file.

Alarm Will Sound

2008-08-28T14:24:00.001-06:00

I just learned that I was selected to have my newest composition "Ultradian Bipolar Disorder" read and recorded by Alarm Will Sound in January of next year. More details on the reading, as well as the premiere, as events warrant.

Bumping "Open Me" Back

2008-08-28T14:17:00.001-06:00

Because of this Constitution day commission, I am bumping the premiere of Open Me from that concert. The new concert time is TBD, but I will post when I have more details.

Harry Potter

2008-08-20T14:13:00.000-06:00

If you are in Cleveland, I have a new piece I'm premiering on October 3rd, at Amassa Stone Chapel. The title is "Harry Potter Returns to Hogwarts". It is a solo electronic piece, controlled by bluetooth buttons+accelerometer (magic wand). The piece will be very theatrical and very interesting - I will post a video or two when it is done. If you're in Colorado, it is being played on October 31st, date and time tbd.

Novus Ordo Seclorum

2008-08-18T14:18:00.001-06:00

I was recently awarded a large award and commission for my proposal for a premiere celebrating "Constitution day". I will post a video of the premiere, date TBD. A summary of my proposal is listed below:

Name: Novus Ordo Seclorum
Instrumentation: 8 Instrumental Musicians, 20-30 Vocalists, Orator, Conductor, Projection
Time: Approx 6-8. minutes
Tech Requirements: Computer, Wireless Controller, Projector

The United States Constitution is often considered the single greatest force in sculpting the landscape of 20th and 21st century politics, locally and internationally. Without blueprint, or precedent, our founding fathers drafted the most significant document of young America, hewn from the hopes and dreams of a nation that craved equality, authority, and liberty. They created. They eschewed tradition. They functioned in wild bursts of imagination and horror. They were artists.

Novus Ordo Seclorum, from the Great Seal of the United States, translates to "new order for the ages". The proposed composition is an attempt to capture the ethos of the political culture at the time of the Philadelphia convention. The thrill of uncertainty and the joy of human collaboration are embodied in a unique vision, developed by me. Novus Ordo Seclorum features a set of live performers, underscoring a series of dramatic readings, where the music is generated, and notated, by a computer.

The notated music is a tribute to the beautiful new graphical interface of MAX 5. The score is best described as "Riley's in C, but moving". Repeated harmonic and melodic patterns writhe and undulate under a series of dramatic readings that transport the listener on a journey through the rich history of the American Constitution. The procedural modulations are audibly, and visibly, apparent, as the generated music and text will be projected for the musicians as well as the audience to enjoy. The projection is aesthetic and functional; there are no other scores available. All eyes are on the same target. Everyone looks together.

A conductor will be necessary, but (s)he is employed in a unique and unusual way. (S)he will not control tempo - but will instead control dynamics, instrumentation, modulation, and the overall flow of the music. This will be accomplished with the help of a wireless protocol, developed by Ewen, that allows communication between computer and a Nintendo "wii-mote" controller in the conductors hand. Improvisatory changes are relayed to a computer which will be immediately displayed on the projection. The remote allows for 11 unique buttons, as well as tracking pitch and roll data (the conductor will be able to make realistic hand gestures on stage). There is also a force feedback system of vibration and 4 LED's that will allow the computer to relay subtle information to the conductor. The computer will choose from a bank of rhythms, pitches, and quotations and present them to the orchestra to play.

Please find enclosed copies of the necessary drivers and handlers for the wireless system. The entire rig (drivers, handlers, UI, wireless interface, projection) has been successfully tested for 9 hours, at a distance of 45 feet, without failure. The technical requirements of this performance are: a computer with bluetooth, wii-mote, and projector.

This project begs involvement. From collaborating musicians, to the wireless conductor, to the audience - everyone who experiences this music will feel exhilaration through uncertainty, civic pride through subject matter, and unity through collaboration. Thank you for considering my proposal. I hope you find it worthy of performance.

new iPhone apps

2008-08-14T01:11:00.011-06:00

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . Banking . . . . . . . . . . . News . . . . . . . . .Search Engines

This is an unusual post, but I just finished learning how to make iPod / iPhone apps and web apps - - so I thought I would share with the world. I didn't submit any of my apps to the store, but the 3 webapps (above) have proven quite useful. This comes on the heels of designing a new handler for wiimote / Max5 interactivity. Look for more information about the my 2 wiimote projects as I finalize all the details of the commissions and concert dates. (These work on Safari and iPhone, but probably not in Firefox or IE).

New Gi•nt's Eye Videos

2008-07-14T15:20:00.008-06:00

Better late than never. Here are a few movements from one of the Gi•nt's Eye performances that happened last April. Click on the videos for a brief description on who the performers are, who the audience is, what is improvised, and where the computer is coming into play. Enjoy!

Movement 1 (The "Launch" Movement)
Live audience member on piano, with reactive piano-playing computer algorithm.

Movement 2 (The "Fantasy Game" Movement)
Improvised dance, improvised music reacting to a movement-sensitive digital body suit. Real time audio and video processing.

Movement 4 (The "Valentine" Movement)

Movement 5 (The "So Long" Movement)
Soprano vocalist, live piano, computer controlled piano, and offstage flute, trumpet, ebow, saxophone. Poetry by Serena Chopra (created in Mvmt 4). Improvisational music.

I'm engaged

2008-06-22T16:34:00.003-06:00

That's right! After 5 years and 7 months of dating, Megan and I are finally engaged. To see pictures and read the story of how it went down, you can visit my personal website (MeganAndHunter.com). Keep in mind that the website is only about 80% done, but it's still good enough to be entertaining. Enjoy!

No news is good news

2008-06-11T23:55:00.002-06:00

School is now out, and I am embarking on a number of fun summer projects. One of the more interesting projects is designing a new website, and needless to say, my commitment to keeping this website up to date is lagging. I will make a formal announcement when it it live, so keep on the lookout.

New and Interesting Web Links

2008-04-27T13:21:00.003-06:00

It's getting harder and harder for me to visit every website that mentions me, but I have been keeping a list of interesting articles and references people find online. Below are some of the cool ones:

Boulder Dance Bridge, Cleveland Fine Arts Guide, SCI, CNT Blurb, Pipl, Bozza Review, Myspace, GCFS, Graphic Design, Pendulum, Old Video Game, Old Concert, Blog, ZoomInfo, TBP. Enjoy.

Gi•nt's Eye Featurette

2008-04-08T14:35:00.004-06:00

As you all may know, my latest piece "Gi•nt's Eye" was premiered last weekend. A crew from News Team Boulder visited one of the performances and created this short video about the piece.

Please take note that 1:29 is not my video, but rather the "flurry" screen saver we were using to test the video during dress rehearsal.

Gi•nt's Eye Premieres

2008-03-28T16:39:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to come to one or both of my premieres next weekend. Gi•nt's Eye will have two performances: Saturday the 5th at 8:00pm, and Sunday the 6th at 2:00pm. They will both take place in Atlas Black Box theater. Admission is free and there's a great reception afterwards. See you there!

Upcoming Radio Interview

2008-03-28T16:28:00.001-06:00

For those of you who missed the 3 different movement demos we've had in the past few weeks, here's another opportunity to get an idea about what Gi•nt's Eye is all about. I'm giving a brief radio interview on KVCU, 1190 AM this Sunday at 8:00pm. I'll be talking about my piece and playing a selection from one of the movements.

My stuff is at Tower Records!

2008-02-20T21:16:00.005-07:00

Please visit Tower Records to purchase Greg Banaszak's newest album "Romances for Saxophone and Orchestra", which contains my arrangement of Eugene Bozza's Aria for Saxophone. Also, please visit this fun traffic map application which tracks the locations of the last 100 people to visit this site. As I look right now, the last 100 people all came from Colorado. If you're not from CO, good for you!

New Poster for 2/27 Concert

2008-02-18T23:30:00.005-07:00

New Gi•nt's Eye Events

2008-02-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here are three upcoming events related to Gi•nt's Eye.

Arts, Media, and Engineering Lecture - 2/14 - Arizona State University

Movement 6 Demo - 2/16 - 6:15 - Atlas Black Box

Movement 1 Demo - 2/27 - 7:30 - Atlas Black Box

Movement 2 Demo - 3/16 - 4:00 - Boulder Library

And don't forget the concert premiere dates 4/5 8:00 and 4/6 2:00 in Atlas Black Box.

Gi•nt's Eye website is up!

2008-02-04T19:33:00.001-07:00

Though you have already seen my splash screen, I feel compelled to mention that the basic information for my new composition Gi•nt's Eye is online. Things are being updated in real time, and the first ten Gi•nt's Eye related event's (lectures, demos, etc...) are posted. Check back later for more information.

For those of you still in Cleveland...

2008-02-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

I just learned that my piece Maroon and Embrace was selected for the Greater Cleveland Flute Society's Composer's Connection. The piece will be performed by GCFS members Lisa Heinrich and Sharon Marrell. The performance will be April 27th, at 7:00pm, at Judson Manor (1890, E. 107th, Cleveland OH). Thanks to everyone on the selection committee!

New Release

2008-02-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

My orchestration of Eugene Bozza's "Aria" for saxophone is now available for purchase at the Centaur Records website. The album is "Romances for Saxophone and Orchestra", by Greg Banaszak and the Beethoven Academy Orchestra.

Gi•nt's Eye

2007-11-15T11:37:00.001-07:00

Now is the time, in my large multidisciplinary project, when I start to think about branding. I have uploaded a couple video ideas in the hopes that people will contact me and let me know what they think.

stars

fire and eye

fire with webcam background

Faculty Templates

2007-11-03T09:25:00.000-06:00

Though this is not strictly related to music, the faculty web templates are done. These templates are meant for music faculty members who would like a web presence but don't have the time or inclination to create their own website. Feel free to contact me for more information or to setup a time to meet.

Scholarship

2007-10-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

I just received a very generous scholarship from the composition department, so thank you to anyone who was responsible!

The massive (unnamed) dance, art, poetry, mixed media composition

2007-10-01T22:58:00.000-06:00

As I start with the preparations for my massive interdisciplinary multimedia piece (as part of my interactive series, for April of next year), I need to start recruiting talent. My current needs include musicians who can improvise in a 21st century idiom, an onstage artist (who works in an odor free medium), a graphic designer, and an onstage poet. If you're interested in participating, or would like more information please email me or visit the blog I set up, http://ewen.wikispot.org The majority of my time is being spent working on this project, though there will be a few smaller concert opportunities around the Boulder / Denver area. I will keep the site updated with the latest information about premieres and performances. Thanks in advance.

New City, New Job

2007-08-31T11:23:00.000-06:00

I just accepted a position as the Student Assistant to the Distributed Academic Technology Coordinator (DATC) for the Music department. My responsibilities include helping faculty with website building, using online resources like CULearn, and providing instruction and advice for programs like Finale, Photoshop, Office, and iLife. Feel free to contact me directly with questions about the DATC, or check back here later for more information about my availability, one-on-one sessions, faculty workshops, and more!

I need help in MUSC 4081!

2007-08-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

For those of you who found this website trying to get help with CUs Intro to Music Tech class, please allow me to redirect you. Visit www.hunterewen.com/help for the wiki. In lieu of office hours, I'm trying to answer all questions on the wiki (or through the AIM portal on the wiki). Please feel free to email me with any other questions!

Colorado Sax Lessons

2007-08-23T15:45:00.000-06:00

As my fall schedule gets finalized, I've started opening up spots for middle and high school students interested in saxophone lessons. Please contact me (Hunter@HunterEwen.com) for information on availability!

Anyone up for Music Tech?

2007-07-19T15:20:00.000-06:00

I just received my appointment from UC Boulder as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in Music Technology (MUSC 4081). Yay!

Congratulations Graduates

2007-05-26T16:18:00.000-06:00

As of last week, I am officially an alumnus of Case Western Reserve University. With a BA in Music Composition and a BS in Mechanical Engineering, with honors in Music and the Magna Cum Laude distinction, I'm looking forward (with great enthusiasm) to getting out of the cold for the summer. Congratulations go out to the other graduates--best of luck in your future endeavors!

Anish Shah '91 Memorial Award

2007-05-22T20:39:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased to announce that I was chosen as a 2007 recipient of the Anish Shah '91 Memorial Award from Case Western Reserve. The award is for "an outstanding senior in mechanical and aerospace engineering based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service." Thank you to the selection committee and everyone who made this award possible

End of Semester Update

2007-04-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

As graduation draws near, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to hear something of mine on (or near) the Case campus. Here are a few upcoming local concerts to note:

Marc Plotkin Recital - 4/27 - 8:00 - Harkness Chapel
Premiere of my special christmas arrangement.

Case Concert Celebration - 4/29 - 4:00 - Severance Hall
I added two chords somewhere in the concert. See if you can figure out which ones.

Rachel Azrak Recital - 5/19 - 7:30 - Harkness Chapel
Premiere of my new duet for flute and offstage flute, Maroon and Embrace.

Stressed Out Over Finals - Nord Hall
Educational Services for Students is still offering free copies of my relaxation CD, Centered in the Circle, to any Case student. You can pick them up from the ESS office in Nord Hall. Good luck on finals!

Update: after posting a CD cover last week, I thought it would be appropriate to post my older cover from Centered in the Circle.

Go Buffaloes!

2007-04-05T14:14:00.000-06:00

I just accepted a generous offer from the graduate school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Starting in August, I will be an MM candidate in the composition program at CU. Look for more details here later.

Cover Art

2007-03-25T19:23:00.000-06:00

I just got a copy of the cover for Greg Banaszak's new album Romances for Saxophone and Orchestra (above). Look for the album, which includes my arrangement of the Bozza Aria, from Centaur Records in Summer 2007.

Commission and Video

2007-03-12T13:31:00.001-06:00

Here are two small pieces of news that I'm going to lump together.

1) I just accepted a new commission from flautist Rachel Azrak for a solo flute piece. She has promised to give me a recording from her recital (May 19th) here on campus.

2) Many of the conductors / contest panelists I have approached regarding 01001101 have expressed curiosity about the "interactive video" element to the piece. To that end, I have uploaded the video of the first movement along with the part that the performer is expected to play. Using both of these, one can duplicate (and experiment with) the projected video that is to be used in the performance. This should yield a better understanding of what I did and why I did it. Enjoy.

Upcoming Concerts

2007-03-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you in the Cleveland area, I'm playing in two groups at the Severance Hall concert tonight (3/5/07). The show starts at 7:30.

Also, I will be in Austin Texas on March 24th, performing my new Laplace Transformers with percussionist Graeme Francis. The performance is part of the GammaUT graduate conference at the University of Texas.

Theory Time

2007-02-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of Case students check this website (and now I have the news articles routing through facebook), so this is a good place to announce this. For the next two weeks, I'm going to be taking over all of Dr. Rainsong's CASE theory classes (theory 2 and theory 4). I'll hand out an updated syllabus monday, but the focus of my lectures is going to be midterm review for MUSC 108 and introducing new elements which may help in the MUSC 208 final compositions. Everyone wish Dr. Rainsong good luck with her hand surgery tomorrow.

Update 3/4: I saw Dr. Rainsong this morning, and she said that the recovery is going really well. Her range of motion is much better, and she mentioned that playing the keyboard (in limited amounts) should be fine starting next week! We are all relieved that it went well, and everyone is wishing you a quick recovery.

GammaUT Award

2007-02-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today I learned that I was a winner in the GammaUT 2007 Conference call for scores for Laplace Transformers. My sincere gratitude goes out to the panel that selected me--as well as Ben Rose and Marc Plotkin (the percussionist and recording engineer associated with the demo recording). If you're going to be in the Austin Texas area at the end of March, stay tuned as I will be posting more details about the conference and the performance as they become available.

Hamelin at Severance

2007-01-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Look for a performance of movement five (March of the Lost Souls) from Hamelin, After the Rats tomorrow, 5:45 at Severance Hall. For tickets, call the Severance box office at (216) 231-1111.

Double the Saxes = Double the Fun?

2006-12-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Before you ask--yes, I am playing two saxophones at once (and it's not overdubbed).

There are three recordings floating around of my new piece Laplace Transformers, a duet for saxophone and percussion. The links above are for the full recording (14 Mb, mp3) and a short portion of the score. If this file-size is too big, there is a shorter clip on the compositions page. This particular recording features Ben Rose on percussion and myself on saxophone.

One thing I really like about this piece is that every time it's performed, it sounds different. Music (at least my music) shouldn't be played the same way twice; I want to allow the performers a hand in crafting their own unique interpretation. The piece itself is a time capsule that draws its diverse styles from the rich history of the saxophone. More than that, it is an opportunity for two people to get together and have a great time making music.

One final note: I feel obligated to warn curious saxophonists that it is quite risky to play two horns at once. After seeing the premiere of this piece, a saxophone student from Baldwin Wallace managed to put a large dent in his Selmer Paris Soprano...

New Mouthpiece

2006-12-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

The private screening of the new line of mouthpieces (designed by Jacob Crandall and myself) took place today. Though this is an engineering project, it is music-related, so I thought it would be appropriate to mention. I can't speak about the specific design elements on this website, as it could jeopardize the international patent; however, I can say that the project was well received. There was even time for a live demonstration of one new model!! If this designed is published in the Case magazine, or anywhere else, I will post a link. If not, this is probably the final word.

New Projects

2006-11-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Due to the success and popularity of the solo bassoon project Key Buxom Kamikaze @ H.Q., I have decided to debut the "User Interface" for the second piece in that series. For those of you who weren't following Key Buxom Kamikaze @ H.Q., the premise was that people purchased notes (through this website) and the proceeds went to charity. You chose the pitch, duration, and measure number, and I chose the octave and ordering in the measure. For that project, the user interface was setup like an online retail store. For this (second) project, the user interface is setup like a flash introduction. There are 100+ boxes displayed on the screen--you pick one, and the corresponding note becomes the next note in the piece.

The third new project in this series is a computer generated string quintet entitled Cantilène & Caprice. This piece is in the early stages of development, but the idea for the user interface comes from online forms. You fill out the form, and a randomly generated piece is sent to you (pdf and midi) via email. I plan to upload C++ snippets as they become available (and hopefully get some good feedback from computer engineers or CompSci people).

Fred Hale Vose

2006-10-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to share some information about the Case Alumni Association (CAA) award I recently won:

The Fred Hale Vose Prize and Scholarship Fund was originally established as the Fred Hale Vose Prize in 1945 by a Case alumnus. The prize is presented annually to the graduating mechanical engineer demonstrating the greatest promise for professional leadership and is named to honor Dr. Vose.

Local Concerts of Note

2006-10-18T16:14:00.000-06:00

Please note the upcoming master-class / concert featuring saxophone guru Alan Durst. The name of the event is "Saxophones on Saturday", on Nov. 11th, at 12:00pm, in Harkness Chapel (here at Case). I will be playing solo and quartet / quintet pieces, and my newest piece Laplace Transformers will be premiered. The first recording session for Laplace Transformers is Nov. 8th, so I will try to upload a clip soon after that. Also, I heard a rumor that someone else is performing one of my soprano solos...

Also, Maggie Kiehl will be performing my saxophone solo, Alone Again as part of her prize-winning Terr Ronis recital on Sunday, Oct. 29th, at 3:00pm, in Harkness Chapel. I'll be there in the front row, so come out and support her beautiful playing.

Honors!

2006-09-26T16:09:00.000-06:00

Today I learned that the music faculty had unanimously voted to award me departmental honors status. This is especially cool because I didn't know this even existed until last month. I know several recent graduates who had the necessary requirements, but did not apply for departmental honors because they did not know about it. In fact, I don't remember anyone ever graduating with departmental honors in music. Perhaps this will be the impetus for the music department to reevaluate how they advertise this honor.

Free Screen-Savers for Everyone!

2006-09-11T18:55:00.000-06:00

So I was on the Apple download page, looking at their free screen-savers, and it struck me that a lot of them stink. After fooling around with Quartz Composer for the better part of half an hour, I discovered that making a screen-saver on a Mac is sort of like working with Reason. You end up working with a series of signal controllers that can be rerouted to other controllers, with near-limitless flexibility. Please enjoy this set of three quartz screen-savers. FlameSaver and WebCamSaver both show my RSS feed, and FairySaver is a cute little yellow light that flies around the screen (on top of a photo I took at the botanical gardens). Why doesn't Apple publicize this little program better to non-developers? Surprisingly, it IS quite user friendly. What other cool things are lurking deep within my PowerMac? Anyway, please enjoy these (Mac OS X-only) screen-savers!

It's done!

2006-09-09T20:43:00.000-06:00

With much gratitude, I'm announcing that the new experimental piece is finished. This project generated a lot of interest in both the music and the Hope Center. Thank you to everyone who was involved (or followed along) with the project. The last incomplete feature of the piece was the title. I had been complaining last week about a lack of vowels, and just this afternoon, a group from Haralson County High School, in Tallapoosa, Georgia, purchased an A, E, I, O, U, and Y! Using the letters you purchased, I have decided to name the piece: Key Buxom Kamikaze @ H.Q. Some other considerations for titles included Squeakky Zombie-X Ham K and Q, Kabuki Homemaker XYZ.

The piece is now available to download online, and is free and open for public performance and recording. I will also upload a free recording, as soon as one becomes available. There is no fee to use the music; however, all proceeds generated must go to the Hope Center in Lexington, KY.

Relaxation CD

2006-09-02T14:19:00.000-06:00

Well, it's finally out. As part of orientation, new students were given a coupon to come pick up my relaxation CD "Centered in the Circle" from ESS. I've already seen several people who have them, which is pretty cool! The bad news is that it's not available online yet, but hopefully it will be soon.

Bozza Aria on a Plane

2006-09-01T11:19:00.001-06:00

I just heard the unedited, unmastered recording of Greg Banaszak playing my Bozza Aria arrangement with the Beethoven Academy Orchestra in Krakow, Poland. It sounds fantastic! I can't wait to get a copy of the CD when it comes out. I also heard that Banaszak and Centaur records signed a deal with LOT Polish Airlines to use the Aria as part of their in-flight music presentation. I suppose stranger things have happened, but this is certainly up there.

MEA KKMB HKXQZ Update

2006-09-01T11:18:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in my most recent experiment. The music is completed, but I am still selling letters for the title. The shopping cart has been disabled, so please contact me with how many letters you would like. Keep the following possibilities in mind: an "R" yields "embark" or "hammer", a "Y" yields "mayhem", two "I"s yield "maximize", "NCR" yields "benchmark", and "YTR" yields "myth-maker".

New Homepage

2006-08-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

So after being home all summer, I learned that maintaining my home-page was too much of a pain. I have therefore decided to switch to a popular blogging interface, rather than my own. What does this mean? I will be able to update this page from any computer with an internet connection, even my PDA! Previous articles are all reposted and can be found in the September 2006 archives. With almost 13,000 hits since January, it seems a little wrong to go 3 months without updating anything. I also have a nifty little RSS feed, you can find the subscription link at the bottom of this page. Hope you enjoy!

The Music of Hunter Ewen

Circles on Quiet Water

World Record Ballon Blower-upper

Ohia and Lehua Friday Night

Kickstarter is online

Casanova at Twilight - Tickets on Sale Now

Ohia and Lehua Tomorrow

New Pictures

Friday 4/29 6:30pm at Denver Art Museum

Choir on Sunday

April 9th Concert

Monkey Attack

Red River Folk Tale

Invasion of the Monkey Mind

The Monsters Live

Premiere Tomorrow

Things I Like

Tethered

Ohia and Lehua

Lily Foster Video

Percussion Performance

Sound and Video Installation

Hullo, My Name is Lily Foster

Performance Tonight

Upcoming Performances

Unsilent Night

New Video Piece

Crumb Video Wall

Edward Levy Prize

Wedding

ATL&S Interactive Player Piano Installation

Open Me - Performance Tomorrow

8 New Videos

Unconventional Publishing

New Premiere 3/18

Alarm Will Sound

2009 CoCoCo Competition Winner

Unsilent Night

New Ultradian Bipolar Disorder Videos

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder Premiere

Gi•nt's Eye Rehearsal, Altered

Ultradian Bipolar Disorder

New Harry Potter Video

Program Notes - Novus Ordo Seclorum

New Novus Ordo Seclorum Video

New Open Me Video

Newest Premiere - Open Me

Cleveland Concert

Colorado Daily

Premiere

Radio Interview and Other Press

Moving Images

Alarm Will Sound

Bumping "Open Me" Back

Harry Potter

Novus Ordo Seclorum

new iPhone apps

More Video Goodies

New Gi•nt's Eye Videos

I'm engaged

No news is good news

New and Interesting Web Links

Gi•nt's Eye Featurette

Gi•nt's Eye Premieres

Upcoming Radio Interview

My stuff is at Tower Records!

New Poster for 2/27 Concert

New Gi•nt's Eye Events

Gi•nt's Eye website is up!

For those of you still in Cleveland...

New Release

Gi•nt's Eye

Faculty Templates

Scholarship

The massive (unnamed) dance, art, poetry, mixed media composition

New City, New Job

I need help in MUSC 4081!

Colorado Sax Lessons

Anyone up for Music Tech?

Congratulations Graduates