No. 47 • 2023-09-05

This is an old newsletter that I didn’t post to the blog… just catching up.

Where Have I Been…?

Clearly, I stepped away from this blog for a time (it’s been 20+ months since my last update). Like many avocations, it became a bit too time consuming, and there were other factors that precluded regular writing.

First, I was on sabbatical from teaching for the 2021-22 academic year. Sabbaticals are an incredible opportunity (and a great privilege) to gain experiences outside of academia. Previously in 2014-15, I joined the amazing team at Opera Philadelphia, internalizing the processes and challenges of performing arts organizations. Again seeking something different, I chose to work with “some kind of fruit company”. 😉 As anyone familiar with this company knows, they are particular about disclosure and forbid discussing the internal workings of the company. All I will say is that I worked on projects related to education, and that it was a great experience.

Of course, the world evolved as we returned to more and more in-person events (first cautiously, and then rapidly). Without the need for creating “at a distance”, there were fewer experiments using technology for remote and shared creative and artistic experiences. I too was excited to go back to live performances, but it meant there were fewer things to write about. Mostly, though, once you’re out of the habit of blogging regularly, it’s easy to stay out.

Returning from sabbatical in Fall 2022, I was consumed with teaching, research projects, and administrative duties, as well as some new initiatives. Our team at the ExCITe Center did a lot of things I would’ve liked to write about.

We expanded a fantastic new collaboration with Music: Not Impossible and brought in founder Daniel Belquer as artist-in-residence at ExCITe. Together, we managed 4 music technology projects for engineering senior design (about 20 students). We also launched a new monthly event series, the Philly Music Tech Link (PHL MTL, i.e., “Full Metal”) with the Drexel Music Industry Program to highlight local music technology projects.

Finally, in April 2023, I took on a new role at Drexel: Vice Provost of University & Community Partnerships. I sought this position because I believe the work of this office, leading Drexel’s civic engagement efforts, is some of the most impactful work of our University (this shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s been following my writing).

So, why am I posting now?

• I find I still have thoughts to share about the arts, technology, and education. Emerging topics like AI and new immersive technologies align with the core themes of this blog.
• Now, this blog is really just a hobby, but I’m still observing and experiencing, and occasionally creating things.
• We’ll see if I can keep up a regular posting schedule. (I have a couple of essays saved up, so at least it’s not a one and done). I will aim for monthly.
• I won’t be writing about my work in University & Community Partnerships. For that you can follow our official channels.

Wish me luck!

(Socially) Distant Creations

• Never Gonna Give You Up [Jared Halley]: The best 1-person a cappella YouTuber, with a great version of this 80s classic (and source of the “Rick Roll” meme).
• Preview of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra [Opera Philadelphia]: Trailer for the upcoming production at the Academy of Music (opening Sept. 22), a highlight of the O23 Festival.
• I Won’t Dance [VOCES8]: I had the privilege of seeing VOCES8 live again last spring in Philly. Here’s a great performance this Jerome Kern classic, beautifully staged for video.
• Introducing Apple Vision Pro [Apple]: Speaking of new technologies, Apple’s recently announced headset has the potential to disrupt how we experience entertainment. I’ll dive deeper into this in future newsletters.

What I’m creating…

“Retro Tech” videos (reviewing and restoring older computers and devices, particularly from the early days of the digital revolution) remain one of my guilty pleasures. It’s like “This Old House”, but for computers! I was delighted to interview one of my favorite YouTubers (and fellow Philadelphian), Sean Malseed (a.k.a @ActionRetro), for my Electrical & Computer Engineering 101 class in January 2023. My sincere thanks to Sean for taking the time to visit our campus!