cooperation/convolution recasts the manner in which large ensembles are organized.  Typically such groups are hierarchically arranged, with a single individual, the conductor, holding the position of greatest importance and select other individuals such as the concertmaster and principal players having secondary, tertiary, etc. levels of authority.  In many ways this structure reflects notions of how society is organized, though both in society and hierarchically configured ensembles holding a position that is nearer the bottom of the hierarchy can be alienating.  In daily life this organization is realized through variations in salary, education opportunities, housing choices, access to clean water and air, availability of higher quality food, and so forth.  While such tangible and significant disparities are not part of ensemble dynamics, the presence of a hierarchical structure in large musical groups reinforces this societal norm.  In cooperation/convolution all performers exert equal influence within the ensemble, sonically interpreting graphic images and shaping these interpretations so that they relate in various ways to the activities of certain other performers.    Thus the ensemble members are placed into groups of five or six that communicate through a variety of topological systems drawn from computer networking, and these groups interact to create the total ensemble.

The recording below features the Clarke University Wind Ensemble.

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