Professings

An Incredible Simulation – The UMass Lowell Album Ensemble Projects

For several years now at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, I have directed a music ensemble that performs select albums in their entirety. The aim of these projects is to pay tribute to albums, wherein we attempt to recreate in exact detail the musical and sonic characters of these recordings. This process provides context for rigorous ear training, musical execution, and ensemble performance. The concept began when I was asked to fill in for another instructor who led a metal ensemble. Since that’s not exactly my area of expertise, I thought perhaps I would offer a prog ensemble instead, as a way to appease the disappointed guitar shredders. The year was 2019 which coincided with the 50th anniversary of King Crimson’s debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King (ITCOTCK).