Registration is now open for…

“Listening for the Future” first-ever national symposium addressing global soundscape

July 9th, 10th & 11th, 2010

Chicago, Illinois June 24, 2010 —Listening for the Future will take place from July 9-11, 2010 to actively engage with the most neglected aspect of our environment: the soundscape. Hosted by the newly-founded Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and World Listening Project, this will be the first conference held by the American Society for Acoustic Ecology in Chicago, home to a thriving sonic arts community and center for world-class architecture, on the shore of largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. An inspiring three days of discussion, workshops, concerts, and soundwalks are planned in an emerging field of study and activism that unites a broad range of social, scientific, and artistic concerns.

Event Highlights

• Friday, July 9 – ‘Citizen Sound’ symposium (5-7PM) opens with a wine and cheese reception, introductions to each of the ASAE chapters, and presentations by leaders in Chicago’s cultural and advocacy scene at Columbia College, 33 E. Congress Parkway, basement lobby and room # LL11. Featured guests include Lou Mallozzi, Executive Director of Experimental Sound Studio and architect Graham Balkany of the Gropius in Chicago Coalition. A media lounge, where guests can sample CDs and peruse publications by participants, performers and ASAE members, will be open all night. Attendees will how they may participate in the first World Listening Day (July 18, 2010). Following dinner at a local eatery, we’ll be treated to a concert (8:30-10:30PM – $10) featuring ASAE member composers, performers and special guests.

• Saturday, July 10 – Head “out of town” for an afternoon soundwalk (2-4PM) in Miller Woods, at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. After the dunes soundwalk, it’s back to the city for another group dinner (6:30-8:15) followed by a Chicago nightlife soundwalk (8:30-10PM). This day’s events should provide plenty of opportunities for informal conversation and networking among members.

• Sunday, July 11 - ASAE members lead a workshop for children (2-3PM) and families near Gallery 400. ASAE members from New York, San Francisco, the Midwest, Southwest and beyond will present a concert in the gallery, 3:30-5:30PM at 400 S. Peoria Street (MC 034). This event will also be streamed live. The evening concludes with a live radio performance on Philip von Zweck’s “Something Else” show at 10 PM-12AM on WLUW 88.7FM

The ASAE – Listening for the Future

During the course of the symposium, the ASAE‘s governing body and leaders from all the regional chapters will be meeting to brainstorm for the future of the organization.

Registration & Travel

The suggested registration fee ($50 standard, $35 for students/seniors/artists) includes membership in the American Society for Acoustic Ecology (ASAE). Though membership is not required for symposium events, we do welcome your participation in future ASAE programs by becoming a member today. Concert tickets are available at the door thirty minutes before concert time for $10 each (free for members). The soundwalks and workshop are free of charge.

Click here to access the registration page, or visit http://mwsae.org/?page_id=838

All meals are pay-your-own, but we’ll be making advance reservations so will ask you to register. Transportation between venues, including the Dunes soundwalk, will be via public transit. These costs are not covered by the ASAE, but we will plan to meet and travel as a group to the Dunes soundwalk.

Hotels and travel resources, and any other additional information will be listed on the MSAE’sListening for the Future web page:http://mwsae.org.

History

The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology (MSAE), founded in 2009, is a chapter of the American Society for Acoustic Ecology (ASAE), the U.S. affiliate of the World Forum for Acoustic Ecology (WFAE), an international association of affiliated organizations and individuals, who share a common concern with the state of the world’s soundscapes. Our members represent a multi-disciplinary spectrum of individuals engaged in the study of the social, cultural and ecological aspects of the sonic environment. Learn more about the WFAE on its website: http://wfae.net

Listening for the Future Organizing Committee:

Eric Leonardson, Chair
Michelle Nagai
Andrea Polli

Assisted by:
Jamie Davis
Jesse Seay

Listening for the Future is organized by the American Society for Acoustic Ecology, and hosted by the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and the World Listening Project. Sponsors include Vocalo.org (89.5 FM), The National Park Service andColumbia College.