AUTOMATIC RAG
For this piece, I wanted to explore the idea of the self-playing piano, or player piano. The image of a piano playing with an empty bench brought up ideas of technology, automation and the automation of art. I was interested in the idea of the physical human being removed from the space, replaced by advancements in technology.
Automatic Rag (2023)
Automatic Rag was inspired by the self-playing piano and the feelings evoked when observing a piano playing without a pianist. This work explores those emotions and investigates the effects that technology and automation have on both the art and the artist.
Premiere: Oklahoma City Ballet, Susan E. Brackett Dance Center, OKC, OK, Future Voices Choreography Showcase (March 2023)
Original Cast: Gabbie Megden, Nick Keeperman, Grace Manuel, Alejandro Gonzalez, Kara Troestor-Blyth, Savannah Payne, Rachel Kundzins, Flannery Werner, Mikaela Guidice