Bradley Decker Hosts Annual Napoleon Electric Music Festival

Eastern Professor Bradley Decker, fueled by a deep enthusiasm for electronic music, has successfully conducted this year's Napoleon Electronic Music Festival at the Doudna Fine Arts Center's Black Box Theater. The event took place on January 30, with 25 talented composers from across the United States and Canada converging to showcase their electronic and electroacoustic compositions.

A Blend of Sound and Technology

The genre of electronic or electroacoustic music stands out for its innovative and often abstract soundscapes. It's characterized by compositions that are created, executed, or played back through electronic means, often eschewing traditional instrumental and vocal music for sounds emitted via speakers and other digital formats.

Decker's Journey in Electronic Music

Professor Decker's own journey into the realm of electronic music began while he was a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His passion grew as he engaged with electronic media and started weaving these futuristic sounds into his compositions and educational curriculum.

With a desire to introduce this creative sphere to students and the wider community, Decker spearheaded the formation of the NEMF, aiming to foster a culture of experimental media and sonic exploration.

The Making of the Festival

Preparations for the festival kicked off in September 2023, with an open call for composers to submit original pieces. After reviewing 60 submissions, Decker selected the top 25 to perform at the event while also contributing his own work to the program.

The day-long festival was structured into three separate concerts, offering attendees an immersive experience into an auditory odyssey. Themes ranged from human connection to the environment and inner consciousness. Through sound, the performances fostered worlds of intense emotion and introspection, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Impact on Students and Audience

The Napoleon Electronic Music Festival not only served as a platform for established composers but also as a source of inspiration for students. Many expressed their admiration for the innovative fusion of technology and music and recognized the event as an encouraging sign for the acceptance of unconventional music genres.

Professor Decker, gratified by the vast array of performances, emphasized his appreciation for the pieces that blended electronic media with traditional instruments, creating a fresh and exciting auditory landscape.

festival, music, electronic