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EcoSono
Institute
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The EcoSono Institute is an education, travel and research adventure for those interested in advancing and integrating musical and scientific work in close collaboration with environments. Participants study environmental sciences, sound art composition, computer music, and ecoacoustic recording engineering. They do this while exploring the fascinating cultures and natural beauty of the world. The Institute promotes the ideals of EcoSono's activism:imaginative sound art in symbiosis with the spaces that surround us. .
In 2010 the EcoSono Institute, led by Professors Matthew Burtner and Reginald Garrett, took a group of 10 participants into the Caribbean Sea and to Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba in May/June 2010. Coastal land-based adventures offered participants the possibility to experience amazing things such as a whale audio safari in Dominica, the Pitch Lake and sulphur ponds of Trinidad, and much more.
Click here to see select pictures from the adventure
EcoSono Institute Participants, 2010
The academic program involved a lecture series on marine biology, audio engineering, environmentalism, and computer music taught by professors Burtner and Garrett. It also included guest faculty lectures on relevant topics in geography, culture and ecology.
The voyage culminated in a concert of music composed by participants and other invited composers.
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Where: The Institute took take
place in the Caribbean Sea and in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados,
Grenada, Trinidad, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba. The voyage departed from Nassau,
Bahamas and returned to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Participants lived on board
the ship as we traveled between countries.
When: May 27-June 10, 2010. The ship departs from Nassau Bahamas and returns to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Program description: The
EcoSono Institute offers a fascinating course of study in sound and ecology
from the comfort and safety of a first class passenger ship. In 2010 we explored
the beauty and culture of the Caribbean. The program in ecoacoustics, marine
ecologies and sound art focused on audio engineering, environmental acoustics,
and computation-based composition approaches. Courses were led by UVA Professor
and international award winning composer, technologist and teacher, Dr.
Matthew Burtner, and by senior chemical and marine biologist, Professor
Reginald Garrett. The academic concentration was supported by advanced creative
work, and by travel throughout the Caribbean. Participants presented their own
work in the Oceans/Elements Concert which also featured music by internationally
acclaimed sound artists.
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Ship description: The M/V Explorer is a first class passenger
ship complete with an extensive library, computer laboratory, audio-visual classrooms,
wireless internet, piano lounge and concert hall. Facilities also include a
7500 square foot swimming pool area, health spa and athletic facilities, and
multiple dining halls. The ship was built in 2002 and is extremely fast (top
speed 28 knots) with stabilizers and modern air conditioning system. It is in
the 99th percentile of health and safety and described by the Maritime Telecommunications
Network as “one of the safest ships afloat”.
Participants: Participants at all stages
of education and professional development were welcome to apply and benefit
from this innovative course of study. The Institute is oriented towards University
students, particularly those with an interest in music, computer sound, or environmental
systems. Participants should have previous experience in either music, computing
or environmentalism. Very select internships were available for those with advanced
experience in music technology, acoustics or marine biology.
University credit: The EcoSono faculty will work with enrolled university
students who wish to apply for University Credit for the courses through their
institution. The syllabus for this program is equivalent to a summer term intensive
course at a Research 1 University. All participants, regardless of University
affiliation, will receive an EcoSono Institute Program Certificate and a letter
of recommendation.
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