![Blank Canvas [large] Ensemble Manchester project page](/media/k2/items/cache/80e2e28c9b3a947d8453df1ab29ef563_XL.jpg)
Introduction
About
The Blank Canvas [large] Ensemble Manchester will explore ensemble improvisation in music using `System 50:50 in Sound for improvisers`.
System 50:50 is a new approach to ensemble improvisation that explores the strengths and limits of freedom and improvisation in music.
The potency and effectiveness of System 50:50 is especially apparent in larger ensembles—from eight players upwards.
Proposition
The proposition is that System 50:50 is the go-to tool for developing ensemble improvisation in larger numbers, say, over 7 improvisers, and that System 50:50 for improvisers dispenses with the need for external referential strategies.
The Curator
Phil Morton, the curator of the sessions, has been working on System 50:50 for improvisers for 20 years, with an intense research practice from 2017 to 2026.
This research has taken in a wide brief, including over 300 weekly sessions with experienced players, a one-off session with the London Improvisers Orchestra (24 players), and ad hoc trios.
What has happened so far
Since 2017 there have been over five hundred System 50:50 sessions.
If you are interested in ensemble music, a large ensemble music that is made without prior preparation, the evidence supports that this offer works, it is rewarding, and it is fun FUN.
Strengths and limits of System 50:50
Two ways of looking at and listening to System 50:50 for improvisers' output and development:
- First, to uncover the strengths and limits of free improvisation;
- Second, as a practice that can stand alone. System 50:50 in sound has its own strengths and limits that are, for the moment, unique and revolutionary, and this will remain the case until something new comes along.
For this Ensemble there will be no
- Conduction
- Compositions,
- Graphic scores
- Game strategies
- Contemporary composition techniques
About System 50:50 for improvisers
Please refer to the `about System 50:50` tab for more information on System 50:50 for improvisers. .
Interested?
Go to the registration tab to add your name to the contact list, we will be in touch when we are good to go!
On a good night the sessions may looks like this, another night the room will be empty:
this lack of consistency is the challenge for this project .
Schedule
When? the schedule
This project is scheduled for a re-launch in September 2026
Due to problems finding a venues, a lack of funding, it will be a struggle to set out a cohesive schedule.
Watch the website and social media for updates, here is the currect schedule for 2024
- 2024 01 13, a Saturday at the Peer Hat, 1pm - 4 pm.
- 2024 February no date, no venue
- 2024 March, no date, no venue.
- 2024 April 13th, a Saturday, at the Peer hat, 1pm - 4pm
- 2024 - no dates or venues for the rest of the year yet.
About System 50:50
The goal is
- to encourage music created in the moment by those present.
- to explore the possibilities and limitations of freedom, agency and improvisation in music.
The approach is
- To shape the sound with silence,
- To shape the ensemble size moment by moment.,
- To empower the musicians with agency over their contribution.
- To shape the music through active listening.
Description
The duration of the piece is agreed before the start of the performance..
A performer must play for 50% of the duration of the piece and remain silent for 50% of the duration of the piece
Example
If the duration of the piece is 16 minutes, the performer plays for 8 minutes and is silent for 8 mins. Each player is free to choose when they play and when they are silent within the duration of the piece but they must have a 50/50 balance between playing and being silent. It is expected that each player will improvise their music.
Quick summary using 50:50 ratio
Each player `improvises` for 50% of the piece
Each player is `tacet` for 50% of the piece
The totals are aggregated
Each player/improviser has their own clock and manages their own time
Each player has `agency` over the content they share during the performance.
System 50:50 for improvisers - Click the link for a detailed description and history.
https://www.improvisersnetworks.online/system-50-50-an-introduction
Delivered by the primary and preferred time management option:
Mechanical chess clocks are required to facilitate the aim of the system. One of the pair of dials is called ‘tacet’ and the other ‘free play’.See image above. Each performer has an individual chess clock to monitor and manage their contribution. The performer plays when the ‘free play’ dial is running down and is silent when the ‘tacet’ dial is running down.
Youtube demonstration, Duration 1 minute Ratio 50:50 or 1:1 Content, is speech, status managed by the rocker (lever): URL LINK
Link to image of an adapted chess clock URL LINK
Selected feedback about system 50:50
Simon Ross (Macclesfield), Blank Canvas Octet - Liverpool
System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well.
Charlie Collins Sheffield
On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.”
Dan Goren, Oxford Improvisers.
`"It seems to me that any attempt to restrict what free improvisers play, presents a threat to the core nature of their music. Generally, 'To play or not play' is about as far as any predetermination can productively go, the player retaining (almost!) complete formal agency regarding when and what (s)he decides to play"
Richard Harding Liverpool.
``Sometimes in free improv it is just not working but we carry on in the hope it will get better, in system 50:50 if it (free improv) is not working one can select tacet and stop playing`
Jon Aveyard, Lecturer UCLan University England
`It gives me permission to do nothing`
Helen Conning, Liverpool.
It is democratic
Maggie Nicol - West Wales.
I want to buy twelve 50:50 clocks
Sign up
This ensemble welcomes musicians.
- New members are welcome. There is no formal audition.
- Members of the public not known to us are asked to attend one performance as an audience member, and then we will have a discussion about future participation.
- Members of the public, musicians, improvisers who are known to us are requested to talk and communicate with Chris Hill, Phil Morton before you attend and participate.
- Limits, The size of the room will present a limit to the numbers that can participate. Twelve is the current limit to the size of the ensemble at Open Ealing.
Suggested scripts for the form
Name of event, please enter Ensemble 50:50 London
Location: please enter,London
Comments: add your comments and any requests for support with Zoom and the associated technologies required to support online participation.
Email: please send an email, sharing your interest in this project to: philmorton@improvisersnetwork.co.uk
To register for this event and project via eventbrite, please follow the link below.
The link will display all events posted to the Improvisers Networks Online account.
Not available at this time.
About the venue
Information about venues are to follow.
Office use
RTM
Tags
events and concerts UK
London newsfeed
system 50;50
sys5050mclist
Workshops UK
article URL : https://www.improvisersnetworks.online/events-archive-london/item/2207-ensemble-50-50-london-30-03-2025
the checklist is here
https://www.rememberthemilk.com/app/#search/article/931320458
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UK Bank Holidays
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