Living Geometries of Emergent Breath (excerpt) - Theo Woodward with the NYU Percussion Ensemble

Live Footage of my composition: Living Geometries of Emergent Breath performed with the NYU Percussion Ensemble (05/09/19)

The piece features Indian classical singing, electronics, mallet percussion, latin percussion, tabla and visuals

Big thanks to everyone who helped make this piece a reality
Personnel:
Sean Statser - Conducting
Danielle Chan - Marimba
Chris Allen O'Leary - Marimba
Yang Chen - Vibraphone
Max Meyer - Vibraphone
Luciano Valdes - Shaker
Jared Shaw - Clave
Tyler Frye - Woodblocks
Nick Gigante - Congas
Tim Schneider - Bongos
Declan Zhang - Cowbell
Rohan Chander -Tabla
Theo Woodward - Vocal, visuals and electronics

Filming Credit: June Louise

Program Notes:
This piece utilizes synthesizers, vibraphone, marimba, latin percussion, tabla and live vocal improvisation in a North Indian Classical Khayal style to create an intricate imaginary landscape. The piece was originally preformed solo but now many of the electronic elements will be preformed by the percussion ensemble. The piece reaches deep into the past and future, blending elements of ancient Indian vocal techniques and western classical instrumentation with synthetic textures and processed foley samples. Over time the sounds evolve and intertwine, exploring complex polyrhythmic structures. Theo sings through a vocal harmonizing device to create up to 4 layers of harmony over his own voice, adding elements of harmony to Indian Classical singing which is typically monophonic. Visuals created by Theo using self-taught animation techniques will also be played during the piece.

Bio: Theo Woodward is a composer, vocalist, and visual artist. His compositions combine elements of drone, minimalism, musique concrete, and traditional North Indian Raga singing. He studies vocal with Noe Dinnerstein who was taught by Pandit Pran Nath and worked with La Monte Young. Theo's work attempts to draw the listener into a meditative atmosphere and reveal ornate mosaics of sound. Over years of experimenting with electro-acoustic improvisation techniques, Max/MSP, and Ableton live sequencing, Theo has developed his methods of electronic performance. He prepares sets of loops, samples, and instruments to be mixed and manipulated live to make each performance of a piece different. Theo draws influence from styles of music all across the world like from studies in Gamelan music as well as from playing West African music in the NYU African Percussion ensemble. He is an active performer and improviser and has worked musicians like with William Hooker and Hans Tammen, as well as playing drums and touring in the band Florry. Theo has also studied composition with Joan La Barbara and he is currently a senior at NYU studying music technology.