Definition: A Scratch Orchestra is a large number of enthusiasts pooling their resources (not primarily material resources) and assembling for action (music-making, performance, edification).
The word music and its derivatives are here not understood to refer exclusively to sound and related phenomena (hearing, etc). What they do refer to is flexible and depends entirely on the members of the Scratch Orchestra.
--Cornelius Cardew, "Draft Constitution"
You are invited to participate in a historical reenactment of Cornelius Cardew's Scratch Orchestra (1969-1974.) No musical experience is necessary, only an instrument: i.e. cello, flute, kazoo, saxophone, drums, voice, washboard, guitar, trombone, pots and pans, etc.
The Closing Event is September 15, 2009 at 6:00 PM
in the Boston Common's Gazebo
(see HERE for a complete program of rehearsals)
Weekly rehearsals continue through mid-September. Attend one meeting or several. Acoustic instruments are encouraged, as electrical outlets are limited.
Epitomizing the transient political idealism of the late 1960s, the Scratch Orchestra sought to rethink music in socially activist terms. Welcoming any player, regardless of experience or occupation, the group used collaborative and improvisation-based procedures in attempt to cooperatively bridge the gap between professional and amateur, art and everyday life. Democratically run by the players, in theory if not always in practice, it was at once a performing music ensemble, musical training-program, and political think-tank. And fitting to its democratic aims, the orchestra was founded in a written declaration—the “Draft Constitution.”
Rather than attempting a reconstruction of events-- à la Civil War reenactments-- the Scratch Orchestra Reenactment will use this Draft Constitution as its script. By following the instructions and practices laid out in their manifesto, the Reenactment will theatrically revisit this radical and inventive group by taking on its premise: to pool our resources and assemble for action.