A work created in collaboration with Robert Moran and the Thingamajigs Performance Group



Performers:

Dylan Bolles, flutes

Suki O'Kane, electronics and percussion

Edward Schocker, piri and glass



Recorded by Micheal Zelner

Recorded in Lisser Hall at Mills College on May 3rd, 2014



As the sun slowly rises over the highest Tibetan peaks, the gods and goddesses are awakened for the daily worship by the monks; in order to complete the ‘blessing’ they must all make for that ‘electron-leap’ from the known universe to an unknown, invisible space. Once the leap is made, the avenues for sublime blessings are possible. As evening approaches, the deities return to their heavenly abode.




The premiere of “Within a day...” was given in San Francisco on January 17, 2014 at the Center for New Music. The Event incorporated the use of bamboo flutes, water-glasses, Japanese flute, live electronics and cymbals. Edward Schocker, in discussing the collaboration, suggested to me that “think of us as dancers and you as the choreographer”. I mentioned to Edward of my interest in various Tibetan Buddhist groups who awakened the gods and goddesses through their chants and musical instruments for worship. Prior to this performance plan, I had come across the following information which I, in turn, sent to the three Thingamajig performers, Suki, Edward and Dylan:



Neutrons may be traveling from our universe into parallel worlds and back again, according to a new theory that explains a rather odd phenomenon.

Experiments at ultra-low temperatures carried out in France have revealed a phenomenon known as neutron loss, whereby neutrons appear to vanish for short periods.

Having re-analyzed the experimental data and have come up with a possible explanation, the scientists have shown that the loss rate of very slow free neutrons appears to depend on the direction and strength of the magnetic field applied; an anomaly that can't be explained by known physics.

What could explain this finding, though, is a hypothetical parallel world consisting of 'mirror particles'. Each neutron would have the ability to transition into its invisible mirror twin and back, oscillating from one parallel universe to the other.

The scientists say that the neutron-mirror-neutron oscillation could take place within just a few seconds, consistent with the experimental results.

The Thingamajigs Performance Group emerged from the long-term collaborations between individual artists that now make up its ensemble members. Using unusual musical instruments, TPG combines traditional Eastern sensibilities with modern American technologies and performance practices. Creating pieces in a group collaborative process that sometimes incorporate voice and multimedia elements, this ensemble of musicians expands and contracts within each performance situation.

The Thingamajigs Performance Group's unique process of creating work is closer to that of theater companies or dance troupes rather than standard music ensembles. Instead of commissioning one composer to write music for which the ensemble will play, TPG creates each of it original works in a collaborative manner with each ensemble member and/or collaborating partner having equal creative input in guiding the work to fruition. The core ensemble members have been working together for over 10 years and have devised this unique system of creation through a deep musical and philosophical understanding that comes with years of working and developing together. www.thingamajigs.org