Quick Definition
- TechTet: ensemble identity and performance format (5-piece).
- Hymnus: composed work for that ensemble and system.
- Live Systems: modular technology practice used in both ensemble and solo settings.
Cameron Summers' TechTet
A 5-piece jazz ensemble format built around custom live performance systems.
Hymnus is a featured piece written for this format. The Organum Engine is one module within a broader live system practice.
Ensemble Configuration
Typical instrumentation: trumpet, second horn (saxophone or flute), piano or guitar, bass, and drums.
Presented in multiple production formats depending on venue and program context.
TechTet Ensemble
30-60 minute performance anchored by Hymnus and related repertoire for acoustic ensemble plus live system.
Solo System Performance
A separate non-TechTet format using the same technology stack in a solo performance context.
Lecture or Residency
Live excerpts and technical walkthroughs covering signal path, improvisation design, and performer-centered system behavior.
System Overview
The performance engine is designed to extend acoustic improvisation while keeping timing and direction with the musicians.
- Organum Engine: adaptive polyphonic harmonization driven by live acoustic input.
- Beat-Landscape Delay: rhythmic environment generation for improvisational development.
- Deployment: low-latency local processing, stereo by default, expandable when needed.
Solo System Demonstration
Solo deployment of the live system accompanying traveling artwork at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This setup is separate from the TechTet ensemble format.
The Momentary / UNCANNI
Collaboration with UNCANNI: Creative Acts of Neo-Intelligence at The Momentary, using this performance system in a contemporary arts context.
Coverage
KUAF, Ozarks at Large: UofA Honors College hosts concert with musicians collaborating with AI
“This is the idea of automating creativity as dependent upon human input and human creativity specifically.”
University of Arkansas News: Honors College house concert blends live music with AI innovation
“The heart of this performance is live music — live musicians, live sound.”
Technical Notes
Developed in Summers Studio Labs, the workshop context behind this project.
- Signal input: acoustic trumpet and microphone feeds analyzed for pitch class, articulation, and dynamic contour.
- Engine behavior: adaptive harmony follows musical state in real time.
- Production docs: stage plot and technical rider available for advance planning.
Program Snapshot
- Hymnus: composed core for the 5-piece ensemble format.
- Additional repertoire: standards and open improvisation with live system integration.
- Solo mode: separate format for non-TechTet performances.
Materials
For technical and production materials, use the presenter page.
Related Work
Recognition
- April 2024: Grant awarded from Create Exchange Fund by CACHE.