How To - For Ensemble and Video (2019)

"How To" is written for flute, violin, saxophone, synthesizer, drum set, and video. The piece features over a hundred different how-to videos, highlighting some of the most frequently searched how-to topics on the internet. The piece swaps the audio and video from these videos, resulting in a bizarre and sublime transformation of their intended meaning. The prevalence of how-to videos highlights a need for wisdom, guidance, and direction in a world of mass digital information, isolation, and paralyzing possibility. "How To" likens our reliance on how-to videos to a modern form of spirituality or prayer.

Performed by TAK ensemble featuring Erin Rogers. TAK is Laura Cocks (Flute), Madison Greenstone (Clarinet), Charlotte Mundy (Voice), Marina Kifferstein (Violin), and Ellery Trafford (Percussion). This recording features Erin Rogers on Saxophone.

“How To” was premiered on September 7th, 2019 by ensemble soundinitiative at Qubit’s “TRANSIENTS” event at 37-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY