Chicago user group: Ableton Live 8 workshop

The Chicago Ableton Live user group is starting up again for 2009 with a free workshop on Ableton Live 8.

Hosts Thomas Faulds and Charles Gorczynski will demonstrate some of the new features of Live 8 and give a run down on a variety of live performance techniques. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops and share tips and tricks with the group.

Thomas Faulds (BA Music Technology, Bowling Green University) is a sound designer and percussionist based in Chicago, Illinois. Inspired by new technologies and production, Thomas worked with BGSU faculty to develop their Music Technology program. Aside from recording and releasing albums, he works as an independent music tech consultant, teaching the inner workings of music production tools to students and professionals alike. Thomas believes in universal creative potential and actively introduces students to the vast creative possibilities afforded by modern music instruments.

Educator and saxophonist Charles Gorczynski (BA Jazz Studies, DePaul University) grew up involved with every aspect of the modern day band program: jazz bands, symphonic bands, orchestra, chamber music, and extracurricular ensembles. One crucial element of modern music, however, was outside the otherwise well-rounded programs in high school and college: electronic music. It has become the single most important subject in his musical career, and he takes joy in teaching students the secrets of recording, producing, playing, and releasing music with today's technology. As an established private and group music teacher and active community organizer, Charles' objective is to prepare students for participation in this evolving and exciting musical world.

Recording as Silences Sumire, Charles and Thomas have released albums with Ropeadope Digital and ears&eyes records. They incorporate organic instrumentation (saxophones, flute, clarinet, strings, piano) into their improvised electronic soundscapes. They love to color outside the lines.