Vitamin-S - improvised music in Auckland

http://www.vitamin-s.co.nz/about.php

What is Vitamin-S?

Vitamin-S was devised as a place where those interested in 'improvised music' could meet, perform, listen to and discuss, and generally interact with, all aspects of this complex and largely misunderstood art form. As improvisation is the most widely practised of genres, it may be necessary to define two main forms:

1. Idiomatic improvisation: much the most widely used and concerned with the expression of an idiom - jazz or flamenco for example, and taking its identity and motivation from that idiom.

2. Non-idiomatic improvisation: here other concerns are fundamental. It is usually found in so-called 'free' improvisation.

It is the second of these two forms that Vitamin-S is concerned to promote.

There are four main tentacles by which Vitamin-S explores non-idiomatic improvisation:

* 1. Random trios.
These trios, usually two per night, are drawn in advance from the Vitamin-S pool. Anyone can join (Go to: 'Join the Pool'). Each trio performs for up to 45 minutes and there are few rules or constraints regarding the direction their improvisation might take, but it's worth noting that this is not a jam night or open mic night. Each improvised piece is a special and unique moment in time that will never be repeated and can only be experienced fully live at a Vitamin-S event.

* 2. Vitamin-Specials. Each month, pool members are approached to perform either as a soloist or to put together and present a group of their own choosing. They are given sufficient time to 'rehearse' or to work on specific pieces (planned, notated scores or graphic pieces, for example).

* 3. Organised ensembles, also exploring a defined theme, methodology, direction or approach to a given piece. These ensembles, such as 10 Acre Bloc, are comprised largely, although not exclusively, of pool members and tend to have more of a life outside Vitamin-S . The pieces are usually more structured, although not necessarily in a conventional or obvious sense.

* 4. Monthly workshops. The second Tuesday of every month at the Leys Institute, St. Mary's Road, Ponsonby (above the library). These workshops are run by John Kennedy, Phil Dadson and Paul Buckton and are an introduction to the language and methodology of improvisation. It's an opportunity to work with performers from all styles and experiences and to try out ideas - your own, or those brought in by others. The evening usually starts with an unstructured improvisation, following which ideas and pieces are explored. Bring an open mind, an ability to listen and a gold coin.

You can experience Vitamin S every Wednesday at the Wine Cellar, St Kevin's Arcade or once a month (usually the first Monday) at the Odeon Lounge.

And here's quote to send you on your way:

"Our music is about the inadequacy of traditional imagery and symbols to convey meaning in today's world. By abandoning representationalism we are free to express ourselves with pure form. Specific interpretation gives way to a more visceral response."
from: Calvin and Hobbes

visit http://www.mimicmass.com for more details