In a unique collaboration between the Performing Arts Department at Washington University and the renowned St. Louis blues band Uncle Albert, students are set to showcase their skills in lighting design and digital media for the stage. Scheduled for April 24, this event, titled "Retina Burn," marks the fifteenth annual lighting exhibition hosted by the department. Over the semester, students have immersed themselves in the complexities of modern entertainment technology under the guidance of teaching professor Sean M. Savoie. Now, they will present concert-style animations synchronized with Uncle Albert's music, bringing their interpretations of the band’s songs to life through vibrant visuals.
A Semester of Learning Converges on One Night
Under the mentorship of Professor Savoie, a dozen students explored various media control systems used in live performances, such as DaVinci, Audacity, QLab, and Capture. In preparation for the event, the group received a set list from Uncle Albert back in February, allowing them ample time to understand the essence of each song and translate that into visual artistry. The performance is set to take place in the Edison Theatre, located within the Mallinckrodt Student Center on Forsyth Boulevard. Each animation crafted by the students will be projected onto the stage during Uncle Albert’s live show, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
Among the student creators, Xinyuan Yu, a junior studying economics and computer science, designed a lighting sequence inspired by the romantic undertones of “Love Letter.” Yu employed a palette dominated by reds, pinks, and purples, capturing the emotional depth of the lyrics. Meanwhile, Sam Finer, a political science major, opted for warm amber tones interspersed with cool blues for “The River,” evoking the serene countryside ambiance suggested by the song’s title. These projects demonstrate how each student artistically interpreted the music, blending technical expertise with personal creativity.
The integration of lights and animations was practiced meticulously in the Casper Lighting Lab, where advanced students joined forces with those specializing in digital media. Their collaborative efforts ensured seamless synchronization between the recorded tracks and the visual elements, culminating in a harmonious blend of sound and sight.
From the perspective of Nick Cochran, a master’s candidate in computer science, the challenge of matching lighting effects to music lies not only in technical precision but also in spontaneous adaptability. His experiences lighting performances by artists like Suzanne Vega highlight the dynamic nature of live events, where flexibility and quick thinking can elevate the overall impact.
An Insightful Journey Through Artistic Collaboration
As someone observing this creative process unfold, it becomes evident that the true magic happens when diverse talents converge. The synergy between musicians, designers, and technicians creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. This event underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in producing memorable artistic experiences. It serves as a reminder that innovation often arises from pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges, whether in academia or professional settings. For aspiring artists and technologists alike, participating in events like "Retina Burn" offers invaluable lessons in creativity, teamwork, and the limitless possibilities of merging different forms of expression.