Erik Spangler is a Baltimore-based composer and electronic musician bridging ensemble improvisation, live electronics and notated music.
Erik Spangler is a Baltimore-based composer and electronic musician bridging ensemble improvisation, live electronics and notated music. Spangler’s compositions have been performed by ensembles including Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Atlantic Brass Quintet, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and International Contemporary Ensemble. He has taught at Maryland Institute College of Art, Towson University, Ithaca College, and K-12 schools in Baltimore. Dance accompanist at Towson University, Goucher College, University of Maryland, Baltimore School for the Arts, and Carver Center for the Arts.
Co-curator of Baltimore Boom Bap Society improvised hip hop series (2011-24).
Harvard University (Ph.D. Music Composition, 2004).
A collection of site-specific sound compositions created for audio tours (both walking and driving) and sound installations. Highlighting narrative voice recording and use of interview fragments in a mix, and soundscapes connected with a particular environment.
2022 recording of my Mass in Latin, written during 2020-21 quarantine, performed by the Mount Calvary Choir. Also included are two other anthems written for the choir, including one “remote choir” recording mixed by David Sexton.
These songs were created between May and October 2012, while teaching myself to play the banjo. Dedicated to my friend Paul Lovelace, who inspired my initial interest in fusing mountain music and hip hop beats. Three of the songs are based on the subject of a film that Paul is currently working on, referencing a 1940 educational film entitled “The Children Must Learn”.
Recorded compositions for choreography by Nicole Martinell, Deep Vision Dance Company, Becky Hill, and Jezie Zhunio.
This piece was composed in 2014 for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s exhibition “For Whom It Stands”, focusing on reinterpretations of the American flag. A sound installation and concert curated by Shodekeh Talifero, commissioned by the museum, focused on remixes and reinterpretations of “The Star Spangled Banner”, which was written in Baltimore 200 years earlier. Baltimore Boom Bap Society was one of 3 groups invited by Shodekeh to perform on the concert. As one half of Baltimore Boom Bap Society, with Wendel Patrick, my part of the piece focused on a collage of samples related to controversial reinterpretations of the national anthem - a theme also explored in Shodekeh’s sound installation for the exhibition. The piece begins with a spoken account by Baltimore’s own Ethel Ennis, on her interpretation of the song at Richard Nixon’s 2nd inauguration.
This project explores an adaptation of Baltimore Boom Bap Society’s approach to group improvisation in hip hop, through the conditions of social distancing during quarantine in 2020-21. I created initial electronic parts that I sent to musician friends, to which they recorded their own improvised parts and sent these back to me. I mixed in each person’s remotely recorded part and sent it on to the next person. A few artists were able to come to my studio in person to record. The process of creating these collaborative tracks became a way to maintain a feeling of connection to my musical community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customer service desk, produce department, kitchen prep and line serving; cashier; stocking; ensuring customer satisfaction.
Advocacy and contracting standards for independent artists; ongoing.
Event series with performances, storytelling, installations, and environmental design.
Composition studies with Bernard Rands and Mario Davidovsky
Composition studies with Param Vir and Randy Coleman
Producer for Shodekeh Talifero's breath and field recording-based soundtrack for the first immersive "Voyages" art event at The National Aquarium in Baltimore. With visual artist Erica Hansen, and vocal performance contributions by Jezie Zhunio and myself.
Whistle theme recorded in musical dialogue with breath artist Shodekeh Talifero, for Elaine McMillion Sheldon's award-winning documentary, featured on PBS' POV Film Series.
Designed an audio-responsive dance board connected to a modular synthesizer, to generate a palette of sonic textures from percussive dance. Resulting in the collaborative composition "Step-A-Tune Soundweb", along with other live electronics for other pieces on the program.
Created remixes of movements from Igor Stravinsky's Suite from "A Soldier's Tale", performed with Baltimore Boom Bap Society alongside the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
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