Come check out the music installation at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art until July 24th.

Check out information here:

bmoca.org/exhibitions/2016/summer/jonathan-mason-a-music-composition-for-six-colors-and-a-glockenspiel-to-be-performed-by-one-to-seven-strangers
 
Also check out the mention of the exhibit in the "Westword" here:

http://www.westword.com/arts/gallery-sketches-stuff-on-walls-drawing-never-dies-and-a-bmoca-sound-installation-8079285

And in "5280" Best Bets for things to do this week here:

http://www.5280.com/node/51593

A scaled-down, web-based, rough-draft demo version of a new installation music piece I am working on is up on this website.  The idea is that each color acts as it's own instrument for the larger piece.  So as you push play on the different colors, overlapping if you choose, you create your own unique music piece.  The actual installation would incorporate music players, a xylophone, more people, and an actual space not on the internet.  I will post more updates as that becomes a reality.  Have fun with the trial version!

Just click PLAY to try it out.

sense in/out focus drops...stepping thinking about/around some inner space cloud waves little ripples. cut off. congenial barking tech talk, tapping string walk. picture not. see seems seams waves woven. walk along. look about. no shouts no call...in the fog the unfamiliar family of self. this book is not on a shelf...not shelf-ish. convey under way tempting the simple play of strings/rhythms vowels constant uncut or contained cancel the wall spin the will, gently wanton lust for air and light tears no rage welling whole blooming page/petals. core correlation commended demonstration won't fit "in the can" or "the bag"


-anonymous

Starting the morning the sun gently peeking above the night sky your mind, your inner clock, starts to play. You feel at peace. Awaking slowly your thoughts drift here, then there and into the morning mist. Then the harshness of the day begins to creep in. Cars, noise, phones, travel, unknown unfriendly places. You are back in the mix. Amongst the turmoil, your mind seeks the pleasant spot, that moment from earlier, providing some refuge for which to gather thoughts. Still the impending flow of the world seems to control. You close your eyes and breath , slowly in, slowly out, slowly in, slowly out, your heart and mind start to control, visions of energetic dancing begin to takes over the harsh and chaotic thoughts permeating your mind. You begin again. Begin again to be a part of it all.

-anonymous

What an amazing night at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art!  I'm honored to have been a contributing artist.  Fortunately this piece was sold, AND fortunately you can listen to the music for this piece, "A Moment For Reflection"  right here.

This is my latest project called, "A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION".  It is a 5 minute music piece accompanied by a mirrored cabinet with headphones.  The instructions for interacting are:

A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION
Directions for participation.

1. Put on the headphones.
   
2. Look at yourself in the mirror, while you listen.
   
3. Open the cabinet and press the play button.
   
4. The music is 5 minutes long.  It begins and ends with a meditation chime.  Take a risk with how much time you spend with the piece.
   
5. Notice what happens

This piece will be for sale at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art's annual fundraiser - ARTMIX on September 19th.  
I will post the music from the piece here soon.

     A "Music Episode" is like a television episode.  It's also not like a television episode.  With TV, the story is told to you, shown to you, with added laughter, oohs, and ahhhs to make sure that you know what emotion you should be feeling.  A "Music Episode" is different.  There is a story, but you get to create it.  

     A "Music Episode" comes with a creation space notebook where you can write, draw, doodle, paint, collage, or read while you listen to the music.  The notebook is not a distraction, but actually a way to focus on the music in a deeper way.  A "Music Episode" is meant to be experienced many times.  Unlike a TV episode that has one story-line with one ending, a "Music Episode" can tell a different story each time you listen to it.  Or perhaps, the story grows and becomes more vibrantly colorful each time hear it.  That is why there are so many blank pages in the notebook. 

      Just like you don't take down a painting in your house after one night because you've already seen it, a "Music Episode" should be enjoyed over and over again to hear things you didn't notice the first time, and to see how your experience of the music changes as you become more acquainted with it.  

     You might say, "Who has time to engage in and actually create art? I'm too busy."  A "Music Episode" is only 23 minutes long.  That's about how long a "half-hour" TV program lasts when you take away the commercials.  Instead of watching one more TV show, I encourage you to interact with a "Music Episode" instead. It will work whether you are alone or with others.  It might actually lead to conversation that lasts beyond the half-hour mark.  You might even forget about watching TV for the rest of the night.  Don't worry, you can probably still catch that show online later.  

     Music is art, and art exists to shake you awake to make sure you are fully living your life.  That is where the idea of "Music Episodes" came from.  Get ready to engage with music in a new way.  Get ready to deeply experience art on what would normally be just a regular day.

     The first music episode, "The Pilot Episode", is currently being created.  A limited edition run of 50 will be available exclusively to CSArt Colorado shareholders.  To find out about the CSArt program or to become a shareholder visit CSArtcolorado.org .

"Episode One" will follow and will be available to all.  Check back here often for updates, sound samples, visuals, and more.

Thanks For Listening,
Jonathan Mason