When seven OMRF scientists signed on for a musical “boot camp” with Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate, they knew they were in for something completely different. But they never imagined the experience would lead to an Emmy award.
In only 10 days, they each composed a piece of classical music for string quartet—even though none of the researchers had any experience with stringed instruments or composing music. OETA filmed the entire process, capturing footage as the scientists learned music theory, terminology and writing, struggled through the composition process and, finally, listened to a string quartet from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic perform their work before a live audience.
At the 2011 Heartland Regional Emmy Awards, “The Science of Composing,” OETA’s documentary about the project, won the prize for best cultural documentary.
“The process of learning to compose music reinvigorated me, both as a person and as a scientist,” says Dr. Courtney Montgomery, who took part in the project. “The Emmy just added an exclamation point to a great experience.”
