(un)certainty

for MARIMBA, ROBOTIC PERCUSSION, and INTERACTIVE LIGHT SCULPTURES

(un)certainty is a collaborative project with percussionist Abby Fisher and artist Mare Hirsch. It features a ring of 24 computer-controlled mechanical woodblocks surrounding Fisher, who interacts musically with the robotic ensemble.

Featuring 24 computer-controlled mechanical woodblocks, (un)certainty is inspired by the Muon g-2 project at Fermilab. This experiment, which recently produced results after twenty years of research, uses 24 sensors on an electromagnetic ring to measure the behavior of strange subatomic particles called muons. It reveals a discrepancy between a theory (the Standard Model of particle physics) and observable reality, and seeks a greater degree of certainty about the fundamental forces and elemental particles that comprise our universe. (un)certainty reflects this quest for knowledge and understanding through the combination of music, art, and embodied performance.

(un)certainty was premiered in May 2024 at ArtX Flagstaff