A SHORT OVERVIEW OF

THE ‘PAPER BAG: THEORY OF CONTROLLED CHAOS AND SPONTANEOUS COMPOSING’

By Theory co-author M. SEGAL

 

For all performances, these basic tenets will be utilized. In ‘live’ performance the audience will notice many hand, body, and verbal techniques/signals not detailed in this general description. These are used to direct the band through solos, dynamics, tempo, arrangement changes, time signature, melody, intensity, etc.

 

*The musicians are arranged in a circle.

 

*One is picked to start THE ROTATION OF COMPOSER/CONDUCTERS.

 

*This musician now leads the band.

 

*Calling a huddle, he quickly describes or explains his idea.

 

*He must always trust each player to express this idea as they see fit.

 

*ALL EYES ARE NOW ON HIM.

 

*He must start the composition, take it through its changes, call for solos to start and end, control volume, and eventually bring it to a close.

 

*The average piece should be no longer than 5 minutes in length.

 

*The ‘ROLLER COASTER’ part of The Theory now comes into play. The following composition should be as different as possible from what came before it.

 

*CLOCKWISE ROTATION to the next musician: it is now his turn to relate an idea and to take as much control of it as The Theory allows. When he finishes, the rotation continues.

 

*The composer is not required to be the centerpiece or front man on his rotation, as he can delegate this to another musician. He does not even need to play, only control the piece.