Thacher Gym 2013-06-16

GCNE 2013-06-16, 
2045-2310
Victor, Chris, Rick, Scott, Brad and Glenn

The team begins by arranging chairs in a circle for 5 in the center of Thacher's gymnasium.  Once seated and settled a circulation begins.  This circulation completes to the growing sounds of Victor's cell phone vibrating.  Brad leaves, guitar in hand, to open the door for Glenn.

The seating arrangement is adjusted to make Glenn a spot in between Brad and Scott and once re-settled another circulation with what appear to be attempts at double-time, off-beat secondary circulation, 3-notes per player and single note staccato.  This develops into improv based loosely on C, Am and G before completing.  Victor introduces another circulation in C before the last improv notes fade away and this ends with a single finishing chord.  Some observations by Glenn about accidentals and the intention behind them which proceeds into discussion on circulation strategies and the suggestive warning that work in this area might become too regimented.

This leads to discussions of Summer schedules and individual's possible aims and vision for the Circle moving forward.  Suggestions of merely working together, working with quality, circulation work, working with the aim of presenting our work to the public every 4-6 weeks or so, finding a neutral meeting space, working toward "putting something in the bank" as a group, a possible "High Flyer's Performance Project" and a way of working At-A-Distance, especially when we can't meet regularly, as a way of connecting to our other team mates.  Much thoughtful discussion on several of these points follows as well as ways to incorporate specific division of attention exercises into our personal and group work.

The discussion winds down with focus on whether or not there is a necessity to have a dedicated blog, separate email group and formal, regimented structure to the "AAD" Circle work.  The danger of policing one another and ourselves while motivated by ego is brought to light.  The general consensus is arrived at toward the end of discussions that a simple email could appear from any team member when the impulse arises to share something of value from their work.  For now, the suggestion is made to work scales, rhythmic subdivisions of quarter, quarter eight, quarter triplet and sixteenth note groupings, repertoire (Victor mentioned that if performing it might not be a bad idea to have 6-7 pieces that the team plays well) and the 60-point exercise.  Individuals were encouraged to use their own judgement to extrapolate, modify and explore some of this as they deem profitable.

Victor's cell phone beeps telling the team that it is 11PM and the targeted completion time for our meeting.  A short circulation is played before the space is restored and the team departs.