Scott Smallwood : Selected Writings

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Receiver: exploring soundscape through radio composition and audience improvisation
by Scott Smallwood and Stephan Moore
(2010)

This paper describes in detail the process of composition, programming, and performance, as well as outlining future directions of the works Channel Surfing and Receiver. (Published in the Proceedings of the World Forum for Acoustic Ecology Conference, 2010) 		[ pdf ]
Don't Forget the Loudspeaker: A History of Hemispherical Speakers at Princeton, Plus a DIY Guide
by Scott Smallwood, Perry R. Cook, Dan Trueman, and Lawrence McIntyre
(2009)

This paper gives a historical overview of the development of alternative sonic display systems at Princeton University; in particular, the design, construction, and use in live performance of a series of spherical and hemispherical speaker systems. We also provide a DIY guide to constructing the latest series of loudspeakers that we are currently using in our research and music making. (Published in the Proceedings of the New Instruments for Musical Expression Conference, 2009) 		[ pdf ]
Composing for Laptop Orchestra
by Scott Smallwood, Dan Trueman, Perry R. Cook, and Ge Wang
(2008)

This article is a chronicle of impressions, ideas, methodologies, and challenges relating to the experience of composing for a laptop orchestra specifically, the recently formed Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk). Here we document some of the compositional issues that have been raised by this unique performing force and the different strategies taken by the composers for control, sound design, spatialization, conductor roles, improvisation, and instrument design. (Published in the Computer Music Journal 321, 2008.) 		[ pdf ]
The Laptop Orchestra as Classroom
by Ge Wang, Dan Trueman, Scott Smallwood, and Perry R. Cook
(2008)

This paper documents our work with the Princeton Laptop Orchestra as an environment for teaching. (Published in the Computer Music Journal 321, 2008.) 		N/A
PLOrk: The Princeton Laptop Orchestra: Year 1
by Daniel Trueman, Perry Cook, Scott Smallwood, Ge Wang
(2006)

In this paper we report on the current state of the newly established Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk), a collection of 15 meta-instruments each consisting of a laptop computer, interfacing equipment, and a hemispherical speaker. Founded in the fall of 2005, PLOrk represents the first laptop ensemble of its size and kind, and brings together many of our research and aesthetic interests as musicians, composers, and computer scientists. Here we chronicle the first steps of the ensemble, including details about the technology, the music, compositional challenges, and what we have learned in the process. (Published in the Proceedings of the International Computer Music Conference, 2006) 		[ pdf ]
Orchestras of Steel: Local Phenomenon, National Movement, International Intrigue
by Scott Smallwood
(2005)

In this paper, I describe the Trinidadian Steelband movement as a local phenomenon with international implications. Discussed also is Mark Slobin's super/sub/inter-cultural model for describing cultures of muisc. 		[ pdf ]
Thoughts on Field Recording as a Catalyst for Improvised Concert Music
by Scott Smallwood
(2004)

This paper describes a process for generating improvisational structures in concert music pieces for acoustic instrumental ensembles through the practice and analysis of field recording. 		[ pdf ]
Street Re-Performance: Practicing Realtime Soundscape Composition
by Stephan Moore and Scott Smallwood
(2003)

This paper describes a series of street performances which result in an unusual exchange between performer, audience, and environment. (Published in the Proceedings of the 2003 Conference "Acoustic Ecology: An International Symposium", presented at Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne, Australia. March 20, 2003). 		[ pdf ]
Polyrhythmic Texture Derivations of Time-Lapsed Field Recordings
by Scott Smallwood
(2001)

This paper describes some thoughts and compositional ideas associated with the CD project Tempus Fugit (Published in the Proceedings of the "Sound without Instruments? Sound without Walls?" Conference, presented at DeMontfort University, Leicester, UK. June 21, 2001). 		[ pdf ]
"Pan Life": Transformation in Trinidadian-American Steelband Culture
by Scott Smallwood
(1997)

This paper is an ethnographic study of the steelband culture on the East Coast of America, with specific weight given to the Baltimore area. (Presented at the Middle-Atlantic Chapter of the Society of Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting. SUNY Stonybrook, Feb. 22, 1997). 		[ pdf ]