Caroline Penwarden is multi-instrumentalist and composer who enjoys arranging sounds in a variety of ways. Her most significant explorations have included classical and jazz piano studies; composing electronic music with analog synthesizers and computer sound editing software; composing for chamber ensembles; performing with African and Latin percussion ensembles; and performing on percussion, accordion and piano with folk-rock bands and free improvisation collectives. Commissioned compositions include music for the the film "Picked" and the video "Nowhere to Go" by Bay Area's APD Productions, music for performances by the Palo Alto Children's Repertory Dance Theater, "Emergings" for the San Jose State University string ensemble, and currently, a work in progress for the Presidio Ensemble string quintet funded by a grant from Mills College. Her musical life also includes working as a dance accompanist at Mills College; she has also worked as a Music Analyst for Savage Beast Technologies, a MIDI and Digital Audio tester at Apple Computer, and a music teacher. She is increasingly blending her musical ideas with her penchant for creating experiences for people to connect with each other and nature.
The Truth About Us
(on Saturday, April 1 in the Greek Theater)
composed by Caroline Penwarden
performed by SPACEJIVe (Steini Gunnarsson Paul Scriver Alee Karim
Caroline Penwarden Eli Wise Jim Kassis Ivor Holloway Vanessa Beggs
ensemble)
The Truth About Us is an experiment in creating intentional community through music. The piece emerged from questions: how can we experience a sense of connection with each other through a piece of music if we do not share one musical preference or tradition? how can this occur in a concert performance situation? how can the audience be included in a musical experience along with the ensemble? This puzzle is a passion of mine that is growing into a variety of musical explorations.
Imagine a Landscape
(on Sunday, April 2 in Lisser)
music performed and composed by Caroline Penwarden
choreography by Sonsherée Giles
costumes by Sonsherée Giles and Jerry Smith
dancers: Julie Binkley, Margaret Crowmwell, Kelly Dalrymple, Sonsherée
Giles
Imagine a Landscape is based on the concept of creating art from daily life. The dance and the music is a collage of impressions (images, landscapes and situations), some observed from afar, some actually experienced. These everyday images have been formalized and monumentalized. The structure of the piece has no arc or climax. The intention is to bring awareness to the strange beauty found in the transitional spaces between dancing and walking.