Northern Michigan University's Open Mind Ensemble, a mixed-instrument chamber ensemble that creates music and sonic spaces, will perform Saturday, April 22, in the Black Box Theatre. Utilizing spoken word, a variety of instruments—including found and homemade—and both standard and non-standard musical language, the OM Ensemble creates a space for creativity, acceptance and togetherness. The event is free and open to the public and starts at 3 p.m. for a 50-minute performance.
“The Open Minds Concert will be like no other group performance on campus,” said Patrick Booth, the ensemble's director. “All of the sounds heard and created on stage will be improvised, so there is no sheet music, no pre-thought process, all spontaneous composition.
Throughout the semester, the performers have been working and cultivating a language together that blends both typical sonic spectrums as well as new and exciting sounds and colors.”
Joining the Open Mind Ensemble for a portion of this performance is Alley Oops Improv, an improv theater group based in Marquette.