Compositions, instruments, and other projects in Max:
Reef Songs – Program Note:
Reef Songs is an interactive composition consisting of six performers organized into three duets playing three different “songs.”
The composition is largely inspired by my experiences scuba diving and snorkeling the coral reefs of Aruba (March 2026). During these aquatic expeditions I was struck by the immense and specific sonic landscapes above water (waves, wind, crustaceans, and shellfish) and below (pistol shrimp, parrot fish, scuba gear, other organisms, and human activity).
Each section of the composition captures a unique realm of sonic activity blending together the submerged and above-water landscapes and ecosystems.
Performed at the 2026 Toneburst Electroextravaganza concert as part of Wesleyan University’s Laptop Ensemble organized and conducted by Professor Paula Matthusen:
Gabe Barnett, Malen Cheung, Allen Li, Orlando Osgood, Katia Michals, Thomas Groff-Barragan
Waves – Program Note:
Waves is a visual audio composition using pitch detection of the electric bass guitar to generate wave forms and a playful conversation between instrumental input and programmed output with random variations.
The composition utilizes a quad surround sound system with white noise generators acting as ocean waves. These pan across the room alongside layers of synthesized sound.
The visual content focuses on the natural aesthetic of the ocean’s waves, manipulated and overlayed with sound-responsive layers.
Together, the visual and audio material combine to form a looping, evolving, and intermingled system of waves.
Performed at the 2026 VIVA la AV concert as part of Wesleyan University’s Professor Paula Matthusen’s course, Live-Electronics for Composition, Improvisation, and Sound Art.