A week-long experimental design charrette in collaboration with AK Studio, used as a catalyst for ideation and exploration related to the larger goals of questioning working methodologies, creative practices, and musical traditions.
The Charrette Prompt
Students were divided into interdisciplinary pairs and given the prompt to design and build an experimental instrument that they would eventually play in the recording studio.
Students had 30 minutes to meet in pairs and sketch out ideas for different ways sounds could be created and controlled using found objects.
Each pair was given $20 to spend at a massive thrift store on their primary materials. Other materials they found were fair game and basic hardware was provided.
Over the course of the week, design teams worked with AK Studio and Sam Johnson to iterate and build their experimental instruments before heading into the studio for their recording sessions at the end of the week.















The Instruments









The Studio Recordings
Aidan Andrews & Emmons (Gus) Ferguson

Caroline Kremer & Caitlin Morey

Abby Gierstorf & Sam Reed

Zoe Flynn & Cameron Jung

Travis Caudle & Logan Garnder

Jesse Benbrook & Janelle Johnson

Jamileth Sarceno & Ryan Schlesinger

