Dither

This is a live performance electronic piece created specifically for virtuoso percussionist, Amy Knoles in 1990.  The performance is done on an electronic mallet instrument called a Kat.  There is also an interactive computer component, that involves the triggering of sequences of sonic events, initiated by the performer.  The piece takes advantage of a "dithering" effect that can be produced on the Kat.  If the performer applies just the right amount of pressure to one of the pads, it will begin triggering randomly.  In the piece, the performer places stones of an appropriate weight on specific pads in a particular sequence.  She also bumps and gently shakes the Kat periodically to encourage the dithering effect to engage. The juxtaposition of the performers slow and careful movements with the comparatively rapid note articulations coming from the Kat creates an interesting visual effect.