Orchestronics (Or'-kes-TRON-iks) is the all-inclusive orchestra. Classic acoustic sounds mix with new instruments in a nearly limitless ensemble. The roots of our past (classical styles) and the seeds of our future (technological advances in music production) grow into many hybrid blossoms.

 The Orchestronics Electronic Orchestra is a collection of synthesizers and recorded samples of acoustic instruments.  The strings are real, the woodwinds are real, all the standard orchestral components are acoustic samples, electronically engineered to be played from a keyboard.  Synthesizers add new instruments to the ensemble with electronically produced sounds.

The Tracks:

Duet for Any Two Keyboards (3:55)  This recording is piano vs. synthesizer. The synth, always the chameleon, changes sounds at will. Both parts make full use of the keyboard range, unlike the usual left hand/right hand arrangement. So, much hand-crossing adds a special challenge for one musician. Two players are recommended though, so one hand is free to change patches on the synth. Although, one adept keyboardist could pull it off.

 Four at a Time, Please! (4:57) This versatile quartet for any four instruments at a time, open the door to unlimited orchestrations: 4 strings, 4-saxes, or even a full orchestra, with only four players at a time, exchanging passages. This recording is for electronic instruments, changing sounds frequently. By using very different and distinguishable sounds, each of the four parts is likely to stand out.

 Watching the Clock (7:59) for orchestra and electronics.  If you're familiar with the phrase "hurry up and wait," you'll understand the many moods of Watching the Clock. Though time remains constant, our perceptions of it change in speed. A brief calm intro is quickly contrasted by a hurried "ticking" bed, with a slowly moving theme superimposed over it. Interrupted by brief moments of building frustration, as if the hands of the clock are moving to slowly, the paced rhythms continue. A slow interlude interlude could be a sign of surrender to nature's time superiority, or it could simply be the lunch break in a busy work day when "it's okay" if time seems to pass more slowly. The relentless pace resumes and builds, until a final ritardando ends this busy day.

 "Electronic" Symphony #1 in D-minor  An all-electronic orchestra tackles this grand old form of classical music. This unlikely collection of sounds finds a common voice as an ensemble The new instruments introduce sounds, styles and techniques to the the classic symphony.

 I. "Gathering" (1st Mov't) 7:13  A wily gathering of quirky characters begin by stating a dark, almost menacing theme. As if calling a meeting to order, the rules are loudly presented, and once ominous melody becomes the developing topic of conversation.

 II. "Reflection"  (2nd Mov't)  7:52  Electronic instruments have a softer side, too. The sometimes emotionless technological emulations show their heart with ebbing and flowing melodies, and a brisk and sweeping development.

 III. "Business at Hand" (3rd Mov't) 5:48 This is a flurry of activity on a mission. The diligent rhythm motivates the frenetic workers who just seem to love their melodic jobs.

History of: "Electronic" Symphony #1 in d-minor   Symphony #1 was an undertaking I had put off for many years.  I wanted to be armed with a better understanding of sound design and symphony structure.  After completing a multi-year cycle of almost traditional orchestral works (Dreamcycles, Watching the Clock, Incompatibility Issues), I was ready to jump back into the fully electronic world with both feet.

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