"NICE SHIRTS is a multimedia ""Happening"" for mixed instrumental ensemble, rag-tag choir, overhead projector, AM radio, and audience participation.
The work was commissioned by conductor Jung Ho Pak for ISOMATA “New Music Week”

First performance: February 26, 1992 at the ""Barn"" Theater — ISOMATA

It is controlled aleatoric conductor-cued group improvisation, utilizing found material. All material heard in this work is adapted from each of the performers' active repertoire. I collected excerpts from performers, then re-worked the material collage-style.

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS:

Cliff Alexander/Sarah Blaschko/Eric Pahl/Tara Dutton — Two pianos/four hands
Petia Benkova — harpsichord
Christine Lee — double bass
Dan Carlson — violin solo
Yi Ming Gao/Erica Haskell — violin section
Merietta Oviatt — viola
Norio ""Non"" Hozumi — trombone
Robin Sharp — marimba

NICE SHIRTS CHOIR: Matt, Aimee, William, & Jerry

VIDEOGRAPHY: Ned Barrett, Scott Holme, Kristina Newhouse

AUDIO RECORDING: Paul McGlaughlin


""Players shall wear solid-colored shirts. Preferably nice ones.""

Dedicated to Norio Hozumi in memoriam."

1992