EAR unit

The EAR Unit isn’t your grandfather’s chamber music.

In fact, even though the group technically falls under the genre

of classical, its cutting-edge modern style will have Bach turning

in his grave.

And now they are bringing their unique, contemporary style to

the CSU campus. They will be performing on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in

the Music Building concert hall.

The EAR Unit, from California, consists of a standard chamber

line-up with a couple of very big twists. First, in addition to the

traditional instruments such as violin, cello and piano, there is a

percussionist. Second, the group employs numerous contemporary

technologies and techniques.

“Unlike most groups we amplify the group,” said Amy Knoles,

spokesperson and percussionist for the EAR Unit. “What that means

is that we hook them up to microphones and crank up the

speakers.”

Not only is their presentation unconventional but the music that

they perform is more contemporary and varied than other chamber

groups.

“We like to give our audience a taste of the new music styles

that are out there,” Knoles said. “This music comes out of the

classical tradition, but all the composers are living in a

contemporary world. I don’t even think we perform pieces from

people who are dead.”

Knoles describes the group’s music as “in your face.” Some of

the pieces even include modern innovations such as video backdrops

and electronic musical devices. In some cases the group has even

used handcuffs and plants as musical instruments, although they

will not be doing so in their upcoming CSU concert.

The group is expanding people’s musical boundaries and opening

up new worlds for listeners, said Micheal Thaut, the chair of the

Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, as well as the co-chair of

the School of Arts.

“The Ear Unit is one of the leading avant-garde music ensembles

in the country,” he said. “This concert is going to be a

fascinating endeavor into sound composition, presented in a very

accessible way.”

The group is a must-see, Thaut said, not only because of their

unique performances, but also because their style is so

cutting-edge.

“It is important that we broaden our horizons in classical music

and not get stuck in our thinking on the great masters of the

past,” Thaut said. “They were also avant-garde in their own

times.”

Knoles said that the group’s enthusiasm about the music that

they do gives their music a sincerity that is often lost in more

popular art forms.

“This is the cutting edge of the non-commercial music scene,”

Knoles said. “Quite a few of the performers have been in rock bands

and they like to groove.”

The EAR Unit is visiting as part of the guest recital segment of

the CSU Chamber Music Series, which features world-renowned

visiting artists throughout the year.

“(The guest recital series) is very enriching and enhancing for

students, the community, everyone in terms of the musical life in

Fort Collins.”

Thaut said the EAR Unit performance is an event not to miss.

“I believe this could be one of the most interesting and

enjoyable events in our community this year,” he said.