Overview
Take a deep dive as we ebb and flow through the creation of abstract rhythms, melodies, and musical compositions using procedural sequencing in one of the most innovative coding languages ever created, ORCA.
ORCA is a powerful, limitless, and real-time live coding environment where we can control audio software and instruments to manifest and explore our own sonic landscapes.
This workshop is open to anyone interested in exploring alternative and inspiring ways to interact with digital music and sound. Prior experience with music production or coding is not required.
“Orca is an esoteric programming language, designed to create procedural sequencers in which each letter of the alphabet is an operation, where lowercase letters operate on bang, uppercase letters operate each frame. The application is not a synthesizer, but a flexible live coding environment capable of sending MIDI, OSC & UDP to your audio interface, like Ableton, Renoise, VCV Rack or SuperCollider.” – Hundredrabbits
Objective
This workshop serves as an introduction to live coding for generative music and sound. With a focus on electronic music composition, participants will learn to work with synthesis, samples, and MIDI to create musical harmonies, rhythms, and sound.
Five Things Participants Will Learn
1. “What is live coding?” (Various options and explorations)
2. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and MIDI control
3. Trackers and sequencers
4. Generative and algorithmic music production
5. Recording, mixing, and mastering your sonic creations and explorations
Registration
Session 1: Thursday, July 4, 6pm-9pm
Session 2: Thursday, July 11, 6pm-9pm
Session 3: Thursday, July 18, 6pm-9pm
Participants will need access to:
Laptop or computer with ORCA installed
Headphones (optional)
Any additional materials will be sent in advance via email
Instructor: Ashford Sabastien Callender
Ashford Sabastien Callender is an Ottawa-based experimental digital artist, as well as a community educator and organizer. Inspired by psychedelic futurism, he uses his background in audio and video post-production within creative mediums such as web, film, and video to explore and create thoughtful, immersive, cross-cultural audio/visual experiences — one of his primary goals is to encourage people to see art, primarily, as a participatory space where we all have the power to alter our capacity for connection and understanding… and also encouraging people to peer into the technology side of art, to help inspire and create new visions.
Workshop Pricing
This workshop is $115 for Members and $165 for Non-Members. Access to a desktop computer and ORCA software is included with this registration option. You may bring your own laptop to receive a discounted workshop rate if you prefer (promo code: Laptop). To access our member pricing, join our membership at https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/joinus/. Fees for this workshop can be waived if access to funds is a barrier to participation. For more information please email education@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
Accessibility
All doors at DARC have accessibility buttons to press for automatic entry. DARC is located on the main floor (one story above ground) of the Arts Court building. DARC’s main entrance is located at 67 Nicholas Street which is fully wheelchair accessible. Alternate wheelchair-accessible entry is available through 2 Daly Ave at the Arts Court main entrance or the Ottawa Art Gallery. Elevator access is available from 9AM – 11PM.
DARC staff are available and happy to assist with all inquiries and requests regarding physical access. We also welcome inquiry, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement by phone (613.238.7648 x. 6) or by email at access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
Cancellation Policy
DARC is unable to provide course attendee refunds for cancellations. DARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if necessary.
