C.R. KASPRZYK

In Bowling Green…

May 7th, 2011 // field recordings

For those in Bowling Green:
(headphones highly recommended)

               

Easy habits

April 17th, 2011 // composition, environment

First, everyone should check out Radius. The next two Mondays (i.e. Episode 5) should provide an interesting morning commute. Some of my other recent work (perhaps) takes related ideas further.

Similarly, it seems appropriate, considering past posts, that I properly weigh in on another easy habit to form. While the political debate continues, it remains evident that being less wasteful is an essential item. That said, I wonder why we continue to use the plastic/paper shopping bags provided at stores.

Canvas and similar reusable bags typically can carry much more than the plastic bags on which people may rely. (Why opt for carrying more bags that dig into your hands?) Of course, the only way reusable bags prove worthwhile is to actually reuse them. Many typically forget their reusable bag. Thankfully, there are a number of bags that are compact (and most grocery stores sell bags for a mere dollar). Additionally, I was reusing the plastic bags offered for produce for some time. I now have small bags that are quite suitable for this and other items. There are many ways to handle this.

Regardless of one’s stance on environmentalism, how do we still find the use of disposable bags justifiable? There are many other things that take larger toll on our planet, but why not take small steps that are easily attainable? Our choices make a big difference when multiplied.

Food-ish

March 6th, 2011 // environment, field recordings, food

A few of my recent field recordings were presented at an event hosted by Kinokophone in Manchester. One theme involved in the selection criteria was the recording of food. The follow is an (unedited) recording of two things that hardly provide sustenance (i.e. a carbonated beverage being poured into a glass with carbonated candy).

Music ‘has to…’

February 9th, 2011 // art, composition

Some feel it (apparently) has to be understood upon first listen, include humans in live performance, reference one’s childhood influences, be self-referential, sound good to a large amount of people, be enjoyed even if not in the forefront of one’s attention….

While not unique, the classical music world is quick to criticize others within its genre. It seems that remaining somewhat nondiscriminatory and recalling music as a primarily aural-based art could only help our (contentiously) grave state.

Ice

December 17th, 2010 // composition, field recordings

One semester down. I recently completed a short electronic work (11.20.10) and am currently working on a new piece, [41.5, -83.6]. The work, scored for piano, hydroacoustic sounds, and interactive electronics, explores melting ice and aquatic life in and around Perrysburg, OH. The work’s commissioner, Tom Rosenkranz, will premiere the piece on January 26th. In anticipation of these and other works….

[bag]gage

November 26th, 2010 // community, environment, equality, food

Things are moving in the right direction for those interested in the voice of the people! Why would one, for example, avoid the joy of convenience, opting for this bring-your-own-bag idea for groceries and other shopping? How ridiculous would someone look walking into a store with their own bag?!? We live in the best country on Earth so obviously we deserve conveniences. Am I expected to remember bags every time I want to purchase something? I have enough to carry (and most people recycle (most of the time)). Besides, reusable bags typically cost an entire dollar! That’s just for one bag! There are many restaurants where one can purchase an entire sandwich for that price. Bags that advertise the stores at which we shop are another way to display social status (and have been known to make some feel sexy). There’s nothing wrong with a little plastic, right? Major social change simply costs too much. If problems, like using plastic bags, were really an issue, I’d be able to see it. It’s no different than those who feel there’s actually something wrong with bottled water. In any other case, it’s just fuel for someone’s impractical agenda.