This week we're joined by the professor of percussion at the University of Tennessee and co-founder of Nief Norf, Andy Bliss. Andy was the curator for Focus Day 2016, and he gives us some insight into the entire process.

Megan tells us about ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) and founder Claire Chase's recent decision to step out of her administrative role.



Watch here. Listen below.



If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element


0:00 Intro and hello

1:03 Halloween, current projects, sushi buddies

6:55 Mike Truesdell: Dear Dr. Bliss – How can one person be such a great percussionist and pedagogue, but still lack every fundamental skill for NBA jam?

8:25 nief-norf performance at PASIC Focus Day

11:25 Megan: Claire Chase and the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE)

27:21 Genesis of nief-norf and nn Summer Festival

39:14 Organizing a PASIC Focus Day

45:17 Focus Day artist bookings

48:17 Applying to play on Focus Day

56:01 What is “new music” and how do we approach it pedagogically?

1:12:43 Working with living composers

1:18:32 Wrap