As part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of New England Conservatory's Contemporary Improvisation program, we welcome bassist Mark Dresser to lead a masterclass with our students. Dresser's multiple roles as performer, improviser, composer, and interdisciplinary collaborator make him an exemplar of the CI program's underlying principles.
Dresser proclaims his current interest in telematic performance, "which explores the musical, technical, and social dimensions of live performance between multiple locations through high speed Internet." He has led multiple-site, multiple-performer Internet performances for peace: "Deep Tones for Peace" and "ResoNations."
"Extending the possibilities of the double bass" as understood by Dresser also includes the Guts project, a combination CD, DVD, and art booklet in which Dresser connects extended technique to developing a personal sound.
And then there are the traditional credentials: Dresser's extensive discography, and collaborations with such names as Gerry Hemingway, Myra Melford, and Roswell Rudd—balanced by left-field projects such as the Marks Brothers, his duo project with fellow bassist Mark Helias.
Are you an NEC faculty member or student who is giving a school concert? Submit your artist and repertoire information now!
CLAUDE DEBUSSY