Improvisational Engineering - Calling all Musicians, Sound Manipulators, Sonic Engineers
Prof. Michael Century is offering a NEW improvisational course in Spring 2026 (Click Flyer below for more information)
Contemporary Improvisation Ensemble Flyer.pdf
“I am giving next semester would love to include “improvisational engineers” — builders, musicians, sound makers…This is wide open.” Prof. Century
The end of the semester leads to the Culminating Experience Concert on April 9 with Nick Dunston at EMPAC.
Creativity isn’t owned by artists. Creativity is a human condition. Engineers express creativity in different ways and learn in different ways. The Mercer XLab is an intentional improvisational space for engineering deeply INSPIRED by improvisational music and the experiences of the Mercer XLab Director in an improvisational culture. Tinkering is an essential part of finding your voice and tone as a musician/singer. Tinkering as an essential part of deep understanding of ideas without the pressure of a grade. Communal spaces are an essential part of sharing a musical gift in improvisational music. Community and communication is an essential part of innovative technical ideas.
The Mercer XLab is interested in supporting any invented instrument, any sound manipulation device, any visual representation of sound or great ideas that help generate and maintain improvisational artistic expression. If this is your dream project to deepen knowledge in your fundamental courses, there IS a URP opportunity related to improvisational performance!
“Environmental music-theater” - A technological simulation of a bonfire
It should be designed to display lighting rhythmically in a gradual 1 hour acceleration accompanying the singers and musicians. Performers perform at different locations around the city or campus and meet at the Bonn Feier. The Feier should end in a kind of strobe-lighting effect that seems to slow movement down. The creator of Bonn Feier piece, is our late, world famous, RPI colleague Pauline Oliveros (IN German, Feier means “ceremony”).
Email [email protected] your proposal ideas if interested in this Mercer XLab/Arts collaborative research project!