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These programs are on the KS State Arts Touring Roster and eligible for Mid-America Arts Alliance funding up to 50% for presenters in Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas!

"Music for the 21st Century" is an exciting and fast-paced program which demonstrates how technology affects the way we make music. The concert consists of live performers utilizing the latest in computerized instruments, connected together in a network of computers and lights . . . . and the sparks fly! For concert/clinic programs, all the technical elements are explained in the clinic portion, with hands-on help from some of the audience. Roger also answers questions and helps tie together the science, technology, musical and mathematical concepts involved. (one or two performers) (contact for pricing, scheduling, and grant eligibility)

"Guitar for the 21st Century" is a concert or concert/clinic that takes the guitar from acoustic and classical pieces through futuristic 8-string guitars and guitar synthesizers. The concert experience ranges from stunningly layered celestial sounds to funky toe-tappers. For the clinic, Roger explains how all the sounds are sculpted and layered live. (contact for pricing, scheduling, and grant eligibility)

Audience members get to experience:

• musical performances — live performers interacting with computers, computerized musical instruments and lights
• demonstrations of how modern composers/performers capture and manipulate sound waveforms digitally on a computer screen
• network - how modern musical instruments "talk" with each other through a computer network via USB or MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)
• universal applications - how these same concepts are used in science, engineering, and mathematics
• student participation — audience members get to help create a song from scratch using modern technology

About the artists . . .

Roger Pitts is an award winning touring artist and educator who easily reaches and communicates with students of all ages. For more than 15 years, Roger has performed concerts and conducted workshops for thousands of middle, high school and college-aged students. Whether performing on various acoustic, electric and 8-string guitars or keyboards, his message of having the courage to be your best is delivered through interactive music. He is currently on the Kansas Arts Touring Roster and is eligible for matching funds through the Mid-America Arts Alliance . . and you've already found him at rogerpittsmusic.com

Go-Go Ray is the Drum Counselor. His dynamic approach to both acoustic and electronic drums have garnered him drum championships in both, most recently as the first winner of the national V-Drum Championship sponsored by Roland. He has toured the world with various national acts.  You can find him at Drum Counselor.

"Music for the 21st Century" is an award winning program on the touring rosters of the Kansas Arts Industries Commission and Mid America Arts Alliance, and sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The purpose of the program is to educate students on technology and the arts, as well as tie together other disciplines such as mathematics and science. Many corporations have donated much of the technology and equipment.

The program can be in a concert only or concert/clinic format. The concert/clinic program begins with a short musical performance, utilizing computers and computerized musical instruments and covering multiples musical styles. Next is an educational segment in which the instruments and technology are demonstrated and explained, and students help compose a song from scratch. After a short question and answer segment (the students always have great questions!), a final performance closes the program.

Roger Pitts and Go-Go Ray represent the new age of composers and performers, equally skilled in acoustic, electric or digital. Their experience with new technologies delights young people and amazes audience members of all ages; when the sounds all come together the result is amazing and entertaining.

Here are some comments from past presenters:

"In Roger’s case, I think he has hit on a spectacular way of keeping the art of music alive and exciting. He is doing something that too many of us won’t do – embraced change. He shows complete respect for the “traditional” methods, but has added technology - the necessary component to keeping today’s youth engaged."
- The Daily Union, Junction City KS

"Class and dignity-one of the better programs I have seen in the last ten years."
- Principal Jeff Travis, Jewell KS Jr./Sr. High School

"Roger Pitts' demonstration and presentation of Music and Technology was
outstanding, immediately capturing the students' attention."
- Mike McBain, Raytown MO High/Middle School

"The students loved the music! Getting them involved in the presentation was a great way to hold their attention. Thanks for coming!"
- Melissa Blackburn, Congress Middle School, Kansas City, MO

"Pitts played the guitar with expertise equal or greater to the greats of our day, and his skill as a pianist and keyboardist kept students intrigued throughout the concert-seminar"
- The Sillsbee Bee, Sillsbee, Texas

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