Digital Music Ensemble Debuts April 18

For the creative-minded, game controllers have other uses than just connecting players to the latest Xbox or Wii sensation. Members of Buffalo State’s Digital Music Ensemble use game controllers to make and control musical sounds in real time.

The newly formed group also employs other popular technological devices such as smartphones and iPads, along with state-of-the-art electronic instruments, to create music that ranges from avant-garde sonicscapes to classical electronic works.

The nine-member ensemble will make its public debut Wednesday, April 18, in a joint concert with the college’s Percussion Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

“The Digital Music Ensemble is an essential component of the minor in digital music production since it allows students to learn, perform, and compose with exciting new electronic musical instruments,” said J. Thomás Henriques, assistant professor of music, who directs the ensemble.

In the first part of the April 18 concert, the Buffalo State Percussion Ensemble, led by Music Department chair Brad Fuster, will perform Dwayne Engh’s “Effect of Friction on the Distance Between Cells;” Steve Riley’s “Storm Warning and Dance”; and Mick Rossi’s “Periphery,” among other pieces.

The Digital Music Ensemble will follow with popular selections from the jazz group Weather Report, along with a few original compositions. The two ensembles will wrap up the concert with a joint performance of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan.”

Admission is free. For more information, call (716) 878-3005.