Searching for members to join a community orchestra led by Oka Makoto! Activities will begin in October

2023/9/10

For inquiry

Oka Makoto, an artist and professional musician known for the work “Farm implements Are Instruments!” at the “Echigo-Tsumari Kamigo Clover Theatre, will be forming the “Echigo-Tsumari Countryside Orchestra (tentative)” this autumn. The activities of the orchestra will include creating musical instruments from farming tools in collaboration with the artist, practising for performances, and participating as a musical ensemble in events at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. No prior musical experience is necessary, and anyone interested is welcome to join.

As a kick-off for the orchestra’s formation this year, they will perform at the “Athletic meet for onigiri!” event on October 21st (Saturday) at the NUNAGAWA Campus, enhancing the event’s program with music.

Furthermore, in the 2024 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, participants will have the opportunity to take part in event pieces alongside professional musicians. Join us to explore the world of music and be a part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale alongside the artists.

The practice session at Tsunan Junior High School (2022)

Activity Schedule:

・Practice
①10/14 (Saturday) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Location: Echigo-Tsumari Kamigo Clover Theatre
②10/15 (Sunday) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Location: Echigo-Tsumari Kamigo Clover Theatre
③10/20 (Friday) 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Location: NUNAGAWA Campus

・Participation in “Athletic meet for onigiri!”
④10/21 (Saturday) 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Location: NUNAGAWA Campus
※Please note that practice dates and times are subject to change based on the situation.

Eligibility:

For individuals living in or commuting to Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town, who have an interest in music and art and are in junior high school or above.

※Participation in the “Athletic meet for Onigiri!” on 10/21 (Saturday) is not mandatory.
※Beginners with no music experience are welcome!
※Participation in all activities is not required. Join to the extent that you can.

Participation Fee:

Free of charge

Application Deadline:

9 October (Mon)

Notes:

・Please arrange your transportation to the activities.
・You don’t need to participate in all scheduled dates; indicate your preferred activity dates when applying.
・Further information regarding activities in 2024 will be provided separately (planned for the end of October 2023).


We are also accepting applications for the ‘”Athletic Meet for Onigiri!” event featuring the “Echigo-Tsumari Countryside Orchestra (tentative)”. We will also be running a day trip tour from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the sports day. Please join us.

Date: October 21, 2023 (Saturday) 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Venue: NUNAGAWA Campus

Fees: High school students to 74 years old – 800 yen, Elementary and middle school students – 500 yen, Preschoolers and those aged 75 and above – 300 yen

*Includes participation fees for games, lunch, insurance, and consumption tax.


Oka Mokoto + music. Mill Project

Debuted in the Jazz scene while studying at Hitotsubashi University, subsequently pursued studies at Berklee College of Music in the United States, and relocated to New York. Upon returning to Japan, he started his own bank “KAIMA” and participated in various artists’ activities. Since 2009, he has operated the label “MOCK HILL RECORDS” and has released numerous works and books. In addition, in 2013, they launched the “Music Waterwheel Project” and engaged in the creation of musical contraptions that play music using waterwheel power and instruments made from old agricultural implements.

He received the runner-up award at the Kobe Biennale 2013 “Music & Art on Stage Competition”. Starting in 2014, he has held the “Tobigamori Waterwheel Music Festival” every September in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Also participated in the Nakanojo Biennale 2021.

In the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in 2022, they performed a live show using agricultural implements and organized an event where they played agricultural instrument music with students from Tsunan Junior High School. They also performed at the closing ceremony. From 2023 onwards, they transferred the content exhibited at Tsunan Junior High School to the “Kamigo Clover Theater” in Echigo-Tsumari, where it will become a permanent exhibition.

For inquiry

Echigo Tsumari Art Field Information Center
Address Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET 6-1, 71-2, Honcho, Tokamachi-city, Niigata Prefecture, 948-0003
E-mail info@tsumari-artfield.com
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