Open Improvisation Lab and Concert Series

Morgantown Soundstreams is a new series bringing together experimental, folk, and classical musicians for guest performances followed by an open improvisation lab. These community-focused events are dedicated to creative, exploratory music, and we hope to create a welcoming space for listening, experimentation, and collaboration across styles and experience levels. These events are organized by Annick Odom with the support of Mark Micchelli and Andy Sledge. 
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Upcoming Events: 
At the Monongalia Arts Center, 107 High Street in Morgantown, West Virginia

• Monday, January 5 at 7 pm
  • Opening performances: Abalos/Rauch/Namay, Ben Townsend, and Henri Colombat
• Monday, February 9 at 7:30 pm 
  • Opening performances: The Weevils (to be confirmed), and one additional group TBA
• Monday, March 2 at 7 pm
  • Opening performances: Jason Zeh, Jake Sandridge
• Monday, April 6 at 7 pm
  • Opening performances: Big Ugly (Levi Paxton), Jim Truman
• Monday, May 4 at 7 pm
  • Opening performances: Mason Atha and Claire Silbernagel

What is the Open Improv Lab?
Anyone who would like to participate is welcome (as long as they follow the community agreements described below). All instruments are welcome. If you need something from us in order to be able to play (PA, borrowing an amp, help moving something, etc.) reach out to Annick Odom (through this contact form, or via email/cell if you are already in contact).

The facilitators (Annick Odom, Mark Micchelli, and/or Andy Sledge) will help split the participants into smaller groups (usually randomly). Then, each group will have the stage for ~5 to 10 minutes for free improvisation. The time may vary slightly depending on how many participants we have and how much time is left after the opening acts finish. 

How can I be an opening performer?
This is basically a first-come, first-serve situation. Reach out to Annick Odom (through this contact form, or via email/cell if you are already in contact), and ask about open dates. While we definitely want to support experimental arts, we are also open to folk/pop openers, especially if you are going to be trying out something new to you or are interested in sticking around for the improvisation after. 

Community Agreements
This is a space for people from different backgrounds, with different levels and types of musical training, to improvise together. To ensure this is successful, we introduce 5 community agreements to make this event one that is welcoming and free of negative judgment.

1. We agree to approach one another with openness, respect, and kindness. You do not have to like everything that everyone does, but we do ask that you are respectful of others’ aesthetic choices both on and off the bandstand. As Pauline Oliveros would say, “lift off judgment.”

2. We agree to use this space for in-the-moment communication via improvisation, with little to no prior planning. The value in what we’re doing lies in the process, not necessarily the outcome.

3. We agree to be mindful of ethics and boundaries when improvising. Some important considerations include:

• Differences in volume between instruments. In particular, be wary of drowning out flutes, violins, acoustic guitars, and other quiet instruments.
• Volume in terms of hurting people’s ears.
• People’s physical space. Don’t do anything to violate anyone’s consent or damage others’ belongings.

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4. We encourage discussion of musical decisions, so long as consent is given for critical feedback. As with the improvisations, we ask that you approach these discussions with openness, respect, and kindness.

5. We agree to respect the facilitators. The facilitators are here to make sure the session runs smoothly, and that space is held for everyone to meet each other on as equitable a footing as possible.

Does everyone here agree to abide by these agreements?
[YES!]