Panels and Lectures

DDR = Reading Music!: This is by far my most popular panel often times filling a room with standing room only. This panel focuses on the fundamentals of music – how to read and write it and how that applies in the anime industry. The basic pieces of music theory are presented in relation to music games such as Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, Magic Maestro and Karaoke games. And then we do everyone’s favorite part, play DDR! SAO provides its own system and hard pads to play on. Ideally this is a 1.5 to 2 hour panel.

Anime Voicing:: How is it that Anime and video games are able to touch us so strongly? A huge part of it is the music, this panel is both directed to music noob and composers alike. Using tones of video examples we talk about the types of music, what composer use and how to voice music both instrumentally and compositionally to get the sounds you want. The quartet plays many live examples through the panel, and the audience can watch the notation go by as we play.

Anime Music Appreciation: The most versatile of the offerings, this panel is based in discussion. The topics can range from current composers to anime’s unique connection to the old Disney cartoons, and the classical music history that remains prominent even today.

All panels are run by clarinetist, conductor and arranger Katie Vedder.  While working on her B.A. and M.M. in music performance Katie explored the world of music technology.  She has been the teaching assistant to several music technology classes and does detailed work with music writing programs such as Finale and sound editing programs such as ProTools and Music Box.  As an arranger Katie takes pride in knowing about the original composer and the composers that most influence her own style.  She has several publications through Alea Publishing and Recording of Bass Clarinet transcriptions and arrangements.  She draws on a diverse well of knowledge, personal experience and written resources to create a fun and active set of panels that will both educate and entertain.