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Carl Sandburg Students to Experience ‘Soundpainting’
Carl Sandburg Junior High School students will have a unique opportunity to experiment with improvisational music through “Soundpainting” during a week-long “artist in residence” visit by Walter Thompson, New York City. Thompson is the creator of Soundpainting, a composing/conducting system he created to teach structured innovation.
Through a grant from the Carl Sandburg PTSA, Thompson will be at the school from April 19-24. He will work during the school day with Sandburg students, teaching the creative art of improvisation. Each student will have the opportunity to experience Soundpainting at some time during the week in place of enrichment or physical education classes.
Members of the Sandburg band, choir, orchestra, and keyboard ensemble will have additional exposure to Soundpainting as they work with Thompson after school from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Their experiences will culminate in two Soundpainting concerts in which students will conduct their own improvised musical pieces on Friday, April 23. The first concert will be presented for students and staff at 1 p.m., followed by another for parents and interested community members at 7 p.m.
“Soundpainting highlights individual creativity and contribution within a group context. Students get to make their own artistic decisions as they conduct, compose or play,” explained Ryan Eikmeier, general music teacher at Sandburg. “For many students, Soundpainting may be their first experience improvising music.” Eikmeier, who first saw Thompson’s work with students during last year’s Illinois Music Educator’s Association conference, originated the plan for bringing in Thompson as an “artist in residence” at the junior high.
Photo opportunities:
During the 2:30-4 p.m. sessions Monday-Thursday, April 19-23, or at either of the two concerts set for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, April 23.
For more information about the Soundpainting concept:
www.soundpainting.com
Other information about the “artist in residency” week:
Contact: Ryan Eikmeier, Carl Sandburg Junior High School, 847/963-7849.
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