Place your bids now on a Little Phatty signed by Jam Cruise 10 artists, including Bruce Hornsby and John Oates
We are excited to announce the auction of a Moog Little Phatty Stage II synthesizer signed by over 15 artists from the floating musical experience, Jam Cruise 10. The auction, which benefits our educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, will be hosted on the Bob Moog Foundation’s eBay portal from January 19 to January 29.
During Jam Cruise 10, which took place from January 9-14 2012, both legendary and contemporary musicians signed the instrument, including:
- Bruce Hornsby
- John Oates (Hall and Oates)
- Robert Walters (Greyboy Allstars)
- Neal Evans (Soulive)
- Joe Tatton (The New Mastersounds)
- Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee)
- Nigel Hall (Lettuce)
- Rich Vogel (Galactic)
- Skerik (Garage a Trois)
- Alex B. (Paper Diamond)
- Adam Deitch (Break Science)
- Steve Kimock
- Toots (Toots and the Maytals)
- Trombone Shorty
- Colonel Bruce Hampton
- That 1 Guy
- DJ Logic
- Ulises Bella (Ozomatli)
- Asdru Sierra (Ozomatli)
- Jamie Shields (the New Deal)
Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, our educational program, teaches children the science of sound through the magic of music. Using electronic musical instruments such as theremins, synthesizers and effect pedals, as well as oscilloscopes and other teaching aides, the innovative program engages children in the basic physics of sound through the parameters of electronic music. A standardized curriculum for Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool is currently in a pilot phase with the Asheville City Schools at the second grade level and our goal is to grow the program nationwide. Dr. Bob’s SoundsSchool brought its experiential learning experience to 50 children in Jamaica as part of Jam Cruise’s Positive Legacy project.
The Little Phatty® synthesizer was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by Moog Music, Inc. The Little Phatty Stage II is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music since 2006. It puts the performer in control of 100% analog signal path, two Voltage Controlled Oscillators and the Voltage Controlled Filter. Other versatile features include external audio input, CV and KB gate input, full MIDI controller, MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an arpeggiator and Tap Tempo. The Little Phatty Stage II brings true analog synthesis to contemporary performance and production, making it modern music powerhouse.
Bidding on the autographed Little Phatty is now open! You can place your bid here.
Doug Babb’s Gifts to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives
On August 21, 2006, one year to the day since Bob had passed away, the Bob Moog Foundation was formally launched. The organization went from a fund with a modest collection of donations to a 501 (c) (3) non-profit with a website and a campaign to help build infrastructure and projects. A phone line was installed in Michelle’s basement, who was at the time the Volunteer Director.
Early on the morning of the launch, when our first website went live, the phone rang and a deep, gentle voice left a message that began “Greetings on this very special day, my name is Doug Babb……….”. Little did we know on that day of the Foundation’s birth what many gifts Doug would have in store for us over the next five years.
Doug Babb is a musician and educator who was taught by Bob Moog’s friend, colleague, and avant- garde opera composer John Eaton at Indiana University. Through John, Doug met Bob Moog and later helped advise Bob on the parameters for a portable synth that Bob was working on with his team of engineers. This portable synth was later to become known as the Minimoog. Doug maintained a deep interest in everything Moog and in more recent years worked in a consultant’s capacity for Moog Music, Inc.
Doug reached out to us on that August day in 2006 to see how he could help. It wasn’t long after that we discovered that Doug’s vast knowledge of the Moog legacy could be of great service in helping us understand the huge archive that Bob had left behind. In 2006, the collection was still in Bob’s former workshop in the hills of western NC where it was succumbing to the effects of mold, time and small rodents.
Doug generously volunteered to travel down to Asheville, NC from Indiana to help sort through the archives and assist us determining the breadth of the collection, and to prioritize it. This was a long process, involving five separate visits extending over almost a year’s time, and scores of hours in moldy conditions sorting, prioritizing, re-boxing and transporting Bob’s archives to safety. A couple of times Doug worked with Michelle and a team of volunteers. The rest of the time, it was the quiet, dedicated work of the two of them that resulted in the initial salvation of the historic collection.
Here are some photos that Doug took of those early days sifting through the archives (photos copyright Douglas Babb 2011):
The archives have been safely stored for almost five years, but Doug’s contributions to our efforts continue. This summer, Doug drove down to Asheville once again to donate over 800 electronic music-related magazines, including Keyboard Magazine, Electronic Musician, Tape-Op, Sound on Sound and more to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives. This library of media will serve as a wonderful resource for students and researchers of electronic music history and will eventually be housed in the Moogseum. The Keyboard Magazines in particular include many articles written by Bob throughout the years.
Here is a sampling of the materials that Doug donated to the archives (Photos copyright the Bob Moog Foundation 2011):
Thank you Doug for your support and guidance in our work to protect and preserve Bob’s archives!
You can read more about Doug at www.TheMoogGuy.com and at this article in NUVO http://bit.ly/ru33hF.
Join Moogfest Artists to Ignite Creativity through Our Indiegogo Campaign!
The Bob Moog Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com to raise $50,000. Funding from the campaign will go to help grow our hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, nationwide.
At the center of the campaign is a short, beautiful video about the power of Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool. The video, produced by Flying Pig Studio, features Bob Moog’s own voice. Take a look:
Donation levels on the campaign range from $5 to $5000 with incentive perks being offered at each level. Rewards range from special downloads to CDs, with two centerpiece incentive perks including:
- A chance to win the 2011 Moogfest Minimoog Voyager synthesizer signed by over 25 Moogfest artists! This gorgeous Select Series synth was donated by our friends over at Moog Music, Inc. and features whitewashed cabinet and a blue backlighting.
- A chance to win a VIP 2012 Moogfest Weekend including 2 VIP tickets to Moogfest 2012 and a three night “Bed and Breakfast” stay at the beautiful and historic Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, located just outside downtown Asheville.
Support the Indiegogo Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool campaign by donating at any level!
Make your involvement more powerful by sharing through this direct link on your Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/tRmQdu
The 2011 Moogfest Minimoog Voyager, which has since been dubbed “The most valuable Voyager in the world,” was signed by a legion of superstars and legends including:
- Amon Tobin
- Beak>
- Brian Eno
- Chromeo
- Dick Hyman
- Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
- Ghostland Observatory
- Holy F**k
- Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee)
- Moby
- Passion Pit
- Suicide
- STS9
- Terry Riley
- TV On the Radio
- Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips)
You can enter to win the Voyager by visiting our Indiegogo campaign here.
Check out this cool gallery of the signed synth and many of the artist signings! Many of these photos were taken by Micah Mackenzie (http://micahmackenzie.wordpress.com/).
Dine at Moogfest and support the BMF
Looking for a great place to eat in Asheville during Moogfest? Some of our favorite restaurants have offered to donate a portion of their sales during the festival to the Bob Moog Foundation, so you can support our programs like Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool while enjoying a great meal!
Located just a block over from the Asheville Civic Center, Boca serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Tex-Mex flair. On Friday from 11:30-3:00pm, they will be donating 10% of their lunch sales. Boca will also be featuring a special Moog-ito and rich chocolaty desert that Bob would have loved.
Right next door to Boca you will find Mela, which offers North and South Indian dishes and a full bar. On Sunday they will be donating 10% of their lunch sales. Mela has a delicious lunch buffet from 11:30 to 2:30pm, so come hungry!
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack – 1455 Patton Ave
Located across the river in West Asheville, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is a great option for those looking to take a break from the Moogfest crowds. They will be donating $1 to the Bob Moog Foundation for every bottle of Moog Filtered Ale that they sell. You’ll need it after a platter of their signature spicy fried chicken!
Moog Filtered Ale Brewing in October!!
Asheville Brewing Company’s Super Tasty Ale Support’s BMF Mission
Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation are proud to announce the release of the second limited edition of Moog Filtered Ale, a pale beer named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. The two organizations partnered in 2010, releasing the first edition to international acclaim. The Ale will be available October 6, 2011, through November 7, 2011. Proceeds from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their mission of igniting the innovative and creative through science, music and history. The timing of the beer’s release coincides with Moogfest, the three-day electronic music festival to be held in Asheville, N.C., on October 28, 29, and 30, 2011.
Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It will be distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville’s Bruisin’ Ales and will be distributed locally by Budweiser of Asheville at various locations throughout Western North Carolina, on draft and in 22-ounce bottles.
Asheville Brewing has been making outstanding craft beers since 1998 and has won several awards for its beers. As an active supporter of local non-profit groups, they are thrilled to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation, whose work is innovative and historical. Through Moog Filtered Ale, Asheville Brewing aims to support the interactive educational programs that the Foundation is developing to teach science through music, as well as to support the eventual creation of the Moogseum.
Asheville Brewing Company President Mike Rangel says, “We are honored to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation again this year to help keep Bob’s vision and legacy alive. By donating the profits from Moog Filtered Ale, we will be supporting innovative science education through the Foundation’s Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool outreach program. Moog Filtered Ale is absolutely the most exciting project our company has been involved in, and after the success of last year’s collaboration, we couldn’t wait to do it again this year.”
The Bob Moog Foundation is extremely proud and grateful to be partnering with Asheville Brewing Company again this year. The funding from last year’s sales of Moog Filtered Ale was of tremendous assistance in helping us reach our goals. As a result, our programs are thriving and our organization is stronger than ever. Purchasing Moog Filtered Ale is a very tasty way for people to support both the work of the Bob Moog Foundation and Asheville Brewing Company, a small business that supports many local non-profit organizations all year long.
The label for the Ale is an original design by Asheville artist Phil Cheney. Featuring vibrant shades of purple, green, and orange, the label shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with musical notes, synthesizer knobs, and patch cables floating above his head.
A line of t-shirts and other merchandise featuring the label will be available through www.shop.ashevillebrewing.com beginning October 10.
Enter our raffle to win a Touch Digital Controller & GForce software suite!!
Bob Moog Foundation Announces impOSCar2 Software Controller Raffle
A raffle to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation begins today. Two lucky winners will each receive the new impOSCar2 Controller from Touch Digital Controllers and an entire suite of five virtual instruments from GForce software—a prize package valued at nearly $2,500. The raffle will continue until all 500 tickets have been sold. Because the BMF will be awarding two complete packages, each entry has a 1 in 250 chance of winning. Tickets are $20 each, or you can improve your odds by buying six for $100.
Raffle tickets are available from the Bob Moog Foundation’s web store at www.moogfoundation.org/shop/.
Raffle ends at midnight on Monday, October 24, 2011. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 26th!
Be sure to enter before all 500 tickets have sold out. Two winners chosen by a random-number generator will be announced once all 500 tickets are sold. The winner will be announced within 24 hours after that time. Raffle participants should check the Foundation’s website and social media outlets to learn when all 500 tickets have been sold and who the two winners are. The winners will be contacted by email.
The new impOSCar2 Controller provides a physical user interface for both the standalone and plug-in versions of GForce Software’s acclaimed impOSCar2 soft synth. The combination of software and hardware offers the sound and functionality of one of the most sought-after analog/digital hybrid synthesizers ever made—Oxford Synthesizer Company’s OSCar—brought up to date with automation, effects, 16-note polyphony, and tons of patch storage.
Michelle Moog-Koussa with the two ImpOSCar2 Controllers
As a tribute to the memory of Bob Moog, Touch Digital Controllers donated not one, but two impOSCar2 Controllers to the BMF. One is produced in a hand-finished natural mahogany and the other in ebony black on oak. These beautifully made controllers deliver plenty of visual and tactile feedback to make programming impOSCar2 a pleasure, just like programming the original OSCar but with total recall. With 101 high-resolution knobs and buttons, every parameter is available from the controller’s front panel to remotely operate the software. In addition to its dedicated impOSCar functionality, the controller can be configured to control any software instrument that supports MIDI Learn.
“The impOSCar2 Controller is our first product, and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with this handcrafted music instrument,” said Richard Lawson and Kent Spong of Touch Digital Controllers. “As synthesists, and as a manufacturer, we have been deeply inspired by the one man who pioneered the whole thing: Bob Moog.”
Released in July, GForce’s impOSCar2 breathes new life into the popular previous version, first launched in 2004. New features include more comprehensive modulation routing, an improved arpeggiator, ring modulation, panning mono and poly unison modes, and more than 1,000 signature patches. Add nine filter types, six portamento modes, and a programmable additive synthesis grid, and you have one powerful soft synth.
Want more? The BMF’s raffle winner will also receive licenses for M-Tron Pro, Minimonsta, Oddity, and Virtual String Machine, which realistically emulate the Mellotron, Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, and numerous polyphonic string synthesizers, while adding dozens of innovative touches. In addition, GForce Software has included the ChamberTron and OptiTron Expansion Packs for M-Tron Pro.
BMF Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa said, “Through the ImpOSCar2 Controller, Richard and Kent bring their love of vintage synthesizers into the design and ethos of this very special piece of handcrafted hardware. Bob’s goal was always to give musicians the highest level of expressivity, and his interface design was a big part of that. The construction of the ImpOSCar2 Controller echoes that commitment to musicians. Our many thanks to Richard, Kent, and the team at GForce Software for sharing their life’s work with us. Their support is a tribute to Bob Moog’s legacy and to the work of the Bob Moog Foundation.”
Thanks to everybody at Touch Digital Controllers and GForce for this tremendous show of support!!
Get to know the impOSCar2:
Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Hamilton
The Bob Moog Foundation is fortunate to have a corps of fantastic, dedicated volunteers. We simply couldn’t carry out everything we do without them. From event support to photography to artistic and technological input and more, our volunteers help shape our efforts.
Dave "Moogs out" singer Molly Kummerle
Dave Hamilton has been volunteering with the Bob Moog Foundation since May of 2007. Over the past four years he has been instrumental in bringing MoogLab to area schools and festivals and helping to define the role of the Foundation in the Asheville community. Dave has worked on countless projects with the BMF:
- Producer on Mooged Out Volume 1 and Mooged Out Volume 2
- Musician outreach on events like JamCruise
- Bringing MoogLab to Claxton Elementary
- Bringing the BMF to Lake Eden Arts Festival each spring and fall
- Creative direction and musician outreach at our events
Dave runs sound at Enter the Mind of Moog
When he isn’t running sound at MoDaddy’s in Asheville, Dave is often found gracing the stage as a guest musician with a number of local bands playing everything from iPhone synth to full sized Moog instruments and Moogerfoogers. Locally he is known as Dr. Moogerfooger, as a tribute to his love of using moogerfoogers like modular synths.
Thank you Dave for all that you do!
Moog Siren Tara Busch donates EP; launches re-mix contest
Download beautiful synth and vocal laden-music and let your remixing talents shine! It all benefits the BMF!
We are honored to announce that synthesizer and vocal sensation Tara Busch has donated a three song EP to support our mission of igniting the innovator inside us all. The ethereal electronica EP, Rocket Wife, created specifically for and donated to the Bob Moog Foundation, is available for download at Bandcamp.com at the following link:
http://bobmoogfoundation.bandcamp.com/album/the-rocket-wife-ep-by-tara-busch
In conjunction with the release of the EP, Busch and the Foundation have issued a remix contest using the 17 stem tracks from the title track of the EP, Rocket Wife. The stem tracks are available for download at:
http://bobmoogfoundation.bandcamp.com/album/rocket-wife-remix-contest
The remix contest begins today and ends at midnight on October 15, 2011. All submissions should be uploaded to the “Rocket Wife” group on SoundCloud via this link:
http://soundcloud.com/groups/rocket-wife-remix-contest-tara-busch-and-the-bob-moog-foundation
The Bob Moog Foundation will announce three winners on November 10, 2011. The winners will have their remix posted on the BMF Bandcamp site where it will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation. The grand prize winner will receive a framed limited-edition archival image of Bob Moog, a selection of BMF merchandise, and the opportunity to collaborate virtually with Busch on a track where she will supply vocals and synth soundscapes.
Tara Busch is an American producer/musician/remixer and score composer. She is influenced by the rich, complex harmonies of Brian Wilson, BBC Radiophonic Workshop diva Dellia Derbyshire, and the innovations and futurist attitudes of electronic music pioneer Bob Moog. She is known for her richly textured, vocally orchestral electronica, and her psychedelic, ethereal remixes. Tara maintains a wildly successful blog, Analogsuicide.
Tara reflects, “This is a homage not only to Bob Moog and his legacy, but to the effect the synthesizer had on my music, creativity, and life. What Bob did, most famously with the Minimoog, was to make the groundbreaking world of synthesis available to everybody, not just for the privileged few.
Though grateful for my voice and writing ability, I think having a more embracing attitude towards merging the creative and scientific worlds when I was a child would have been beneficial; not just for my music, but also for my development in general. I think Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool will help kids to develop open, bright, embracing and creative minds.
I’m excited and inspired by their quest to educate children and adults alike about ‘the intersection of science & music’ and hopefully this EP will help introduce more people to the Bob Moog Foundation. One hundred percent of the profits from the EP and the remix stems will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation.”
Sustain the BMF with Limited Edition 5th Anniversary poster
Help us ignite the innovator inside us all. Sustain the BMF with one-of-a-kind wall art.
Bob Moog has likely inspired your life in some way. What better way to help us grow that inspiration to future generations than to support the Bob Moog Foundation by becoming a sustaining donor?
Sign up to become a Sustaining Member by pledging as little as $10 per month for the next 12 months and receive this limited edition 11″ x 17″ poster designed from various items and images in Bob’s archives. You’ll find rare photos, schematics and desktop notes in Bob’s own writing in this rich collage of images.
Ignite innovation and creativity by making a donation today to support engaging hands-on music and science learning opportunities and the preservation of Dr. Bob’s archives for future generations of students, educators and innovators. Through your support, future generations can be inspired to change the world with the same sense of intelligence, curiosity, and integrity as Dr. Bob himself. All that and you’ll get your very own limited edition poster. Who could imagine than an easy monthly donation could do so much? Get your Moog on and add to the Foundation’s moogmentum.
Notes from SoundSchool
Hello Moogsters! I write with great news about the science education initiatives at the Bob Moog Foundation. We have shifted our focus towards one very ambitious and exciting project for the 2011-12 academic year, and have been working furiously with a core group of educator volunteers to make it happen. As part of this new focus and direction, we’ve moved away from the name “MoogLab” and are now calling our school-based efforts “Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool.” This new name aligns with one of our goals: to introduce students to Bob Moog as a friendly model of how to use science to be creative.
T
he first students to experience Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool will be the second graders in the Asheville City Schools. This new partnership establishes Asheville Schools as the showcase for SoundSchool, where we will introduce new initiatives and continually evaluate existing ones. In this first year, we are working with second graders as this is the grade where North Carolina specifies that students should be introduced to the physics of sound. We have developed a full curriculum to teach physics of sound using synthesizers, as well as lessons about how to be good scientific observers taken directly from Bob’s science notebooks.
Another important part of this new SoundSchool initiative is the teachers. We have created teacher training materials which will ensure that this is a self-sustaining project. Teachers will be empowered to share SoundSchool with their students for years to come!
All of our efforts over this school year will be carefully monitored so that we can formally evaluate the effectiveness of Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool. This means that we will have some classrooms using the SoundSchool materials, and comparison classrooms that will use the traditional materials for this first year. All students, SoundSchool and the comparison group, will be given pre- and post-tests of their knowledge of physics of sound, as well as their ability to interact with the information in creative ways. We will use the data we collect to improve SoundSchool, and then introduce it into other school districts, first within North Carolina and then across the country.
I hope you share my enthusiasm for this new inception of The Bob Moog Foundation’s education initiatives. This is a strong project design, which will allow us to educate and inspire students for years to come.
Watch what happened when Dr. Bob’s Sound School came to Claxton Elementary School in Asheville, NC.
Jonna Kwiatkowski, PhD – Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool Project Coordinator
Jonna is an experimental psychologist with 15 years experience in creativity and aesthetics research. Her philosophy is that creativity exists in every mind, and is unleashed when people are given the opportunity to feel their creative thought in action, to understand how they access their creative potential. She has led national, grant-funded research initiatives to understand creativity in grade school and high school students, including projects with the Department of Education and the College Board. In her primary research, she has investigated the creative mind using EEG and other cognitive techniques. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Mars Hill College, loving living in Asheville, and especially collaborating with the Bob Moog Foundation.
Are you on our eNewsletter list?
If you haven’t yet signed up for our eNewsletter, now is the perfect time. For a limited time we are offering a special download of Bob Moog’s personal statement, which he wrote at when he was 17 and attending Bronx High School of Science, for subscribers to our newsletter. The download contains a message from Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bob’s statement, a timeline of important Moog events, and rare photographs from our archives, some of which have not previously been shared.
You can sign up for our eNewsletter using the sign up box to the right of our blog posts, or at the bottom of our main page. You will receive a link to download the statement within 24 hours of signing up.
Already on our eNewsletter list? We will include a link to download the statement in our next eNewsletter!
We hope that you enjoy these special selections from our archives.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gene Felice
The Bob Moog Foundation is fortunate to have a corps of fantastic, dedicated volunteers. We simply couldn’t carry out everything we do without them. From event support to photography to artistic and technological input and more, our volunteers help shape our efforts. Since fall of 2007, multi-media artist Gene Felice has contributed hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of his time to help us develop visual content that conveys our mission of igniting creativity at the intersection of music, science, history, and innovation.
If you live here in Asheville, you might know Gene Felice from his dynamic events like {Re}Happening at Lake Eden, or as an inspiring multi-media teacher at Odyssey Community School. We know Gene as a long time supporter of the Bob Moog Foundation, having lent his talents to us on a variety of occasions.
Over the years we have been honored to work with him on a number of projects:
- Conceptual drawings for the Moogseum
- Design and graphics for our website
- Design and graphic artist for the MiniMoogseum
- Graphic direction for our Toubab Krewe video
- Poster Design for events like Pushing the Envelope
- Interactive elements at a number of our events
- Curator for Pushing the Envelope
You can view some of Gene’s work on his website. Thanks, Gene, for all that you have done to help grow the Bob Moog Foundation!
MoogLab’s “Novitiate” Educational Synth By Dewanatron
Dewanatron Donates One-of-a-Kind Synth to MoogLab
Commissioned by the Bob Moog Foundation, the Novitiate was designed for teaching electronic music synthesis to beginners.
The unique synth manufacturer Dewanatron [http://www.dewanatron.com], helmed by cousins Brian and Leon Dewan, began as a pair of musical performers who built electronic musical instruments to suit their own needs. Their efforts grew into a business that now supplies some of the most unusual synthesizers you can buy. A few months ago, Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa asked Dewanatron to design and build a distinctive new synth that was soon dubbed the Novitiate.
According to Brian Dewan, “Michelle asked us if we would make something that was specifically for teaching people about basic concepts of modular synthesis. It’s the first instrument we made that was not really conceived of as first and foremost for making music.”
The Novitiate Front Panel - Photo by Reggie Tidwell
Leon Dewan adds, “We designed in the Novitiate something very simple for someone who doesn’t know anything about synthesis to start with and just get a handle on the basics of waveforms and filtering and frequency modulation.”
The front panel’s four sections—oscillator, modulation, filter, and envelope—each demonstrate a primary synthesizer function. A button in the oscillator section triggers the oscillator independently of the other sections, generating four waveforms and covering the entire range of human hearing and beyond. Pressing another button in the modulation section routes a separate modulating oscillator to the main oscillator. The modulator’s continuously variable frequency ranges from a slow pulsation to rates beyond human hearing, enabling vibrato and FM effects. Pressing a third button lets you hear the effect of the Novitiate’s resonant lowpass filter, and a fourth triggers an ADSR envelope generator. Level knobs let you apply the envelope to control filter frequency, amplifier volume, and modulation depth.
The Novitiate Control Panel
Housed in a furniture-grade poplar cabinet, the Novitiate has 1950s sci-fi movie styling that’s best be described as “futuristically retro.” Special touches include a control panel finished in blue-green metal-flake glaze, chicken-head knobs, oversized rotary dials, and buttons that look exactly like doorbells. Built-in speakers reveal a surprisingly powerful stereo amplifier onboard. The instrument also has two headphone jacks with independent volume knobs and two main audio outputs. Instead of the usual power switch, the Novitiate has a lock and key for turning power on and off, ensuring that it would be useless to anyone who might consider stealing it.
The Novitiate by Dewanatron
Although the Novitiate is a true analog synth in the Bob Moog tradition, it lacks any kind of keyboard or MIDI connection. As it turns out, those features are unnecessary for teaching the basics of synthesis. If desired, however, it does have control-voltage and gate inputs for connecting modular synthesizer gear, including an analog synth keyboard.
The Novitiate made its debut at the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) in May. It will again be available to the public at The Artery in Asheville’s River Arts District during Pushing the Envelope: ADSR, a multimedia art show cosponsored by the Bob Moog Foundation and the Asheville Area Arts Council, beginning July 9 and ending July 30, 2011.
“It is the goal of our MoogLab program to teach science through music not only to synthesizer fans, but to people from all walks of life and of all ages,” says Michelle Moog-Koussa. “We are delighted to add the Novitiate to our MoogLab program, and we are deeply grateful to Brian and Leon Dewan for supporting our educational initiatives with this custom instrument.”
Arturia Announces “Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack”
Arturia Creates Pack to Honor Moog Legacy and Benefit Bob Moog Foundation
ARTURIA and the BOB MOOG FOUNDATION are proud to introduce Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack. This unique box set includes Arturia’s award-winning Minimoog-V and Moog Modular V, a DVD of the Moog documentary, an archival book featuring unreleased material curated by Michelle Moog-Koussa entitled From Bob Moog’s Private Archives, and an official Bob Moog Foundation button.
You can see a history of the Moog Modular V here.
Quantities are limited to 1000 copies worldwide. Profits will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their projects which carry Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy forward.
The bundle pack will retail for $299.00US. Click here to purchase Dr. Bob’s Collector’s Pack.
To celebrate this event, Arturia is also organizing a contest to win a 1975 Minimoog Model D synthesizer on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/arturia2.
“We are delighted to partner with the BMF and bring to musicians Dr. Bob, a pack that will be of high value to everyone interested in Bob Moog’s legacy. Years ago, Arturia was extremely lucky to work with Bob Moog on the re-creation of some of his most famous synthesizers. Today we are extremely happy to support the BMF and give a little back, while bringing to the market a great collector box.”
— Frederic Brun (President of Arturia)
“”The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to share many items from our archives for the one-of-a-kind From Bob Moog’s Private Archives booklet included in Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack. The items gracing these pages, many of them rarely seen, illuminate pivotal junctures in the rich history of the Moog legacy. From Bob Moog’s Private Archives is the first published collection of images from the vast trove of materials that Bob accumulated over the length of his 50-year career; it serves as the ultimate complement to the materials in the Pack. Our thanks to Arturia for highlighting the sonic, historical and human legacy that Bob Moog left for us all to enjoy.”
— Michelle Moog-Koussa (Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation)
Dr. Bob's Collector Pack: Tribute to a Pioneer, Benefit to the Legacy, Value to the Musician
Bob Moog Foundation Rocks Jam Cruise 2011
MoogLab and Moog Workshop Draw From Boatload of Talent Aboard Jam Cruise
MoogLab on Jam Cruise. Photo by Michael Weintrob.
Every year in early January the good people at Cloud Nine Adventures put together an incredible cruise around the Caribbean with over 50 bands on board. From morning til night, this five day party features an amazing array of musical talent from the rock, jam and funk genres. Between the travels to exotic lands, the beautiful, tempreate Carribiean weather, a boat full of music enthusiasts and a ton of great music, Jam Cruise is great fun for all involved.
This year the Bob Moog Foundation was invited on Jam Cruise to present a Moog Workshop and two late night MoogLab Interactive Experiences. Our crew of four consisted of Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa and Rockstar Volunteers David Hamilton, Jason Pisaro and Chris Tanfield.
The whole team worked hard the first couple of days to get ready for our workshop, which featured keyboardists Rich Vogel (Galactic), Nigel Hall (Lettuce) and Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee). We were fortunate to have the legendary Fred Wesley (James Brown) on Trombone, Adam Deitch (Pretty Lights, Break Science) on drums, Chauncey Yearwood (Pimps of Joytime) on percussion and other special guests sitting in on the jam at the end of the workshop.
Jam Cruise has posted beautiful HD videos of the entire workshop. Check them out here.
This gallery of photos from the workshop is provided by Jam Cruise:
Many thanks to all of the musicians who participated in the workshop and made it a truly special experience for all of the attendees. You all rock!
After the workshop, the team shifted gears and set up our MoogLab in the disco area of the ship. The Lab was hopping from 9pm-1am, with many musicians from the boat stopping by to play with each other. Joel Cummins, Chaucey Yearwood, Corey Glover (Living Colour, Galactic), Drew Basham (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), Robert Walters and many others stopped by to run their vocals through the mooogerfoogers, control their instruments with the theremin and join in the continuous jam that ran throughout the evening.
Here are some of our own photos taken from our two MoogLabs
And some fantastic shots taken by Brooklyn based photographer Michael Wientrob
MANY THANKS to Jam Cruise for hosting us on the boat. We had a great time inspiring people through the Moog Legacy (and soaking up some rays while we were at it!).
Spectrasonics Announces “Bob Moog Tribute Library” To Benefit Bob Moog Foundation
Bob Moog Foundation Announces Spectrasonics Benefit
New Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere Library and Contest to Win Custom OMG-1 Synth
to Raise Funds for the Foundation
March 21, 2011 — Music software developer Spectrasonics has launched a unique, multi-faceted tribute to honor the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Dr. Robert Moog. Spectrasonics has released the “Bob Moog Tribute Library” created by renowned artists for Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere® virtual instrument software, and also kicked off a contest designed around the library, where participants enter to win the one-of-a-kind “OMG-1” hardware synthesizer created by Spectrasonics’ Founder, Eric Persing. 100% of the proceeds from this Tribute go to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.
Spectrasonics’ Bob Moog Tribute Library features over 700 stunning new sounds for Omnisphere, Spectrasonics’ flagship synthesizer, and was produced by Persing. The sounds in the new library were created by more than 40 of the world’s top synth artists, remixers and sound designers, including Hans Zimmer, Vince Clarke (Erasure/Depeche Mode), Jean Michel Jarre, The Crystal Method, Jordan Rudess, Money Mark (Beastie Boys/Beck), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk/Talking Heads), Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel/Synergy), Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Air/Fiona Apple), Ryuichi Sakamoto (YMO), Morgan Page (Madonna/Katy Perry), Keith Shocklee (Bomb Squad/Public Enemy), Steve Porcaro (Toto), Fredwreck (Snoop Dogg/50 Cent), Jan Hammer (Jeff Beck/Mahavishnu Orchestra), Michael Boddicker (Michael Jackson), Richard Devine (Aphex Twin), Patrick Moraz (Yes/Moody Blues), Eddie Jobson (UK/Roxy Music), Diego Stocco, Danny Elfman, The Moog Cookbook, and many more.
Michelle Moog-Koussa, Daniel Auon, Eric Persing and the OMG-1 at Winter NAMM 2011
“Through this stunning Tribute Library, Eric Persing’s passion for sonic innovation is manifested in a multi-layered homage to Bob Moog’s pioneering work and legacy,” said Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “That passion is continued through the myriad of synthesists and sound designers who have participated by donating sonic tributes in the way of patches and sounds. The Bob Moog Foundation is deeply grateful to Eric, Spectrasonics and the participating musicians for the creativity and generosity that has driven this project. Without a doubt, the funding generated from the Tribute Library will be a tremendous help in driving our mission forward.”
The grand prize in Spectrasonics’ contest, the OMG-1 hardware synthesizer, was designed by Persing as a live performance instrument and is not a commercial product — it’s truly one-of-a-kind, integrating the worlds of analog synthesis, computers, software synthesis and the latest multi-touch surfaces into one extraordinary instrument. The state-of-the-art dual manual OMG-1 combines a Moog Little Phatty® analog synthesizer, Spectrasonics’ flagship Omnisphere software synthesizer, a powerful internal Apple Mac Mini computer, dual Apple iPads®, dual iPods®, and Spectrasonics’ brand-new Omni TR™ iPad app — all integrated into a beautiful, hand-crafted curly maple cabinet created by American artisan Daniel Auon.
Contestants vying to win the OMG-1 buy and download the $100 “Bob Moog Tribute Library” for Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere software, then write one or more pieces of music utilizing the sounds from the library. The deadline for submission is July 15, 2011. Spectrasonics will be flying the contest winner to the October 2011 “MoogFest” in Asheville, NC, where Eric Persing will present the OMG-1 grand prize to the winner.
Learn more about Spectrasonics’ Bob Moog Tribute Library: http://www.spectrasonics.net/products/tribute and about the contest to win the OMG-1 synthesizer: http://www.spectrasonics.net/contest
THANK YOU Spectrasonics for your tremendous generosity of time, energy, talent and spirit that brought this project to life! The Bob Moog Foundation is forever grateful. Many thanks to all participating musicians as well – your involvement added new dimension to this wonderful tribute.
Sneak Peek: Spectrasonics Contest to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation
Bob Moog Foundation Gives Sneak-Peek of Spectrasonics Benefit
Custom Hardware Synth Created by Eric Persing Revealed as Grand Prize
Update: Spectrasonics contest is scheduled to launch Monday, March 21st. Please check www.spectrasonics.net for details on that day.
NAMM – Anaheim, CA — January 13, 2011 — The Bob Moog Foundation gave a special presentation at NAMM, announcing a unique collaboration with Eric Persing of Spectrasonics on a fund-raising contest to benefit the foundation. Details of the contest are to be revealed when it begins on March 15th. During the presentation, Persing unveiled the Grand Prize for the benefit contest — a stunning, one-of-a-kind custom “OMG-1” hardware synthesizer he created that integrates the worlds of analog synthesis, computers, software synthesis and the latest multi-touch surfaces into one extraordinary instrument.
The OMG-1 was designed by Persing as a live performance instrument and is not a commercial product — it’s truly one-of-a-kind. The state of the art dual manual OMG-1 combines a Moog Little Phatty® analog synthesizer, Spectrasonics’ flagship Omnisphere® software synthesizer, a powerful internal Apple Mac Mini computer, dual Apple iPads®, dual iPods®, and Spectrasonics’ brand-new Omni TR™ iPad app — all integrated into a beautiful, hand-crafted curly maple cabinet created by American artisan Daniel Auon.
During the special sneak-preview presentation, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, and Eric Persing talked about their collaboration and Eric gave a live performance with the OMG-1.
“I’ll never forget the first time I played a Minimoog when I was a little kid…it truly changed my life!” says Eric Persing, Founder and Creative Director of Spectrasonics, a leading music software company, “So it’s a privilege after all these years to give back to the foundation honoring my hero Bob Moog and keeping the spirit and history of his inventions alive for the next generation. I had a blast designing the OMG-1 with Dan and I can’t wait to see who wins it!”
Michelle Moog-Koussa added, “The Bob Moog Foundation is grateful to Eric Persing for creating and sharing this one-of-a-kind innovative instrument. The foundation’s mission is to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation. It is fitting that Eric’s OMG-1 does just that. His instrument represents the contemporary convergence of analog and digital, hardware and software. I think Bob would applaud Eric’s efforts to transcend boundaries in order to create an instrument with new and unique capabilities.”
Complete details about this exciting benefit will be announced by Spectrasonics when the contest begins on March 15th, 2011 (www.spectrasonics.net). (over)
About Spectrasonics
Founded in 1994, Spectrasonics is a leading innovator of world-class, award-winning virtual instrument software plug-ins, used by the top recording artists, producers, remixers and film composers on the planet. Key Spectrasonics products include its flagship synthesizer Omnisphere®, the Trilian® Total Bass Module, and the popular Stylus RMX® Realtime Groove Module. For more information visit http://www.spectrasonics.net
About The Bob Moog Foundation
The Bob Moog Foundation (www.moogfoundation.org) honors the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog through its mission of igniting creativity at the intersection of music, history, science, and innovation. Its projects include MoogLab Student Outreach Program, which brings electronic musical instruments into the schools to teach children science through music, the Archive Preservation Initiative, an effort to preserve and protect the inventor’s extensive and historic archive and the future Moogseum, an innovative educational, historic, and cultural facility that will bring Bob Moog’s spirit alive. It will be located in Asheville, NC in the years ahead, pending necessary funding.
The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent, donor-driven 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and is not formally affiliated with Moog Music, Inc.
All specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders
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Come see the Bob Moog Foundation at NAMM in Booth 6100.
Come see Michelle and Eric presenting the OMG – 1 daily at 2:30 at the Spectrasonics Booth 6720.
NOTE: Photos coming soon!
Our Inspired Moments 2010
Inspired. That word is embedded in the history, ethos and mission of the Bob Moog Foundation.
Bob was inspired by the possibilities of unlimited sonic reality and by what he called “the network of ideas.” The convergence of those ideas and possibilities in Bob’s work effected millions of people around the world who were in turn inspired by his inventions and the music they spawned. This inspiration, and the way it changed people’s lives, drives the very heart of our work in igniting creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation.
Be part of the inspiration. Donate today.
In 2010, the inspiration that is rooted in Bob’s work has manifested itself in some of my proudest moments in the Foundation’s history:
- In April we concluded “Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog” exhibit at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. Over 200 items from Bob’s archives were on display, seen by over 20,000 people.
- In May, we made modular synthesis accessible (thanks to Amos Gaynes and August Worley) by transforming Erik Norlander’s legendary “Wall of Doom” custom modular Moog synthesizer from a 6′ x 7′ monolithic structure into six portable rack mount cases. It was featured at our spring fundraiser Moogus Operandi. This unique instrument will travel once again this spring (and beyond), giving audiences new insights into the origin of synthesis.
- In October, the Bob Moog Foundation wowed standing-room-only audiences at Moogfest with historical, educational and technical panels and discussions, drawing the attention of the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal . That same month, preservationist Seva Ball finished restoring and transferring 88 reel-to-reel tapes from our archives.
- Throughout the year, we exposed children and adults to the science of sound through MoogLab; we gave people all over the world a rare glimpse into some little known facets of the Moog legacy through historian Brian Kehew’s detailed explorations of moments in time captured in material from our archives; and we reveled in the varied and important work of our corps of committed, talented volunteers.
What inspires you? Unbridled musical exploration? Innovative methods in education? Unknown history brought alive to illuminate the future? Opening people’s minds to a world of possibilities that in turn make them more creative thinkers?
This is our work– the work of the Bob Moog Foundation. We illuminate history so that it might serve as a lesson for the future. We provide unparalleled opportunities for young and old to explore sonic realms and sculpt sound as an avenue to ignite creativity through science.
Take this opportunity at year’s end to be part of our inspired and inspiring work. Make an on line donation today or send a donation to:
Bob Moog Foundation
P.O. Box 8136
Asheville, NC 28814
Inspired and grateful for your support,
Michelle
Michelle Moog-Koussa
Executive Director
Bob Moog Foundation
Making Waves: Why I Support the Bob Moog Foundation
Bob Moog’s Legacy Changed My Life and I Know it Can Continue to Inspire Generations to Come
By Kenn Florell
I remember creeping into my older brother’s room sometime in the late 1960’s, pushing the power button of his Wollensak reel-to-reel tape player, and being transported…even as a pre-adolescent boy, I could tell this was something very special…unique…but I didn’t know it would affect my life and the lives of many others so profoundly. The tape was a recording of Wendy Carlos’ Switched-On Bach. Many current musicians will tell you that this single album was a major influence in their awareness of the synthesizer, and specifically, the Moog synthesizer.
Bob Moog is unquestionably the preeminent name associated with synthesizers, and his innovations that so captivated generations of musicians and fans continue to influence modern sound. When Bob passed away five year ago, many tributes appeared in print and online. I remember one in particular, among the many stories of incidental meetings, personal reflections, and heartfelt thanks. I am heavily paraphrasing, but it went something like
“Think about it. In the 1960’s, there were few sources of synthetic sound in the world. Since Bob, we are surrounded by evidence of his genius—every PC sound, each car notification chime, every cell phone ring tone, just about every studio recording , all use sounds whose source can be traced to Bob’s pioneering work.”
Bob never made millions of dollars from his inventions, but he influenced millions of people worldwide.
I was one of them.
Kenn Florell with his Minimoog license plate
Bob’s creations allow me to explore sound, and indeed the world in which these sounds resonate, in ways that are difficult to explain but easy to understand. His instruments speak to me and they allow a freedom of creativity that only a masterpiece of instrumentation can achieve. Even though I live in North Carolina and have owned several Moog products since the 1970’s, I never met Bob. I wish I had. But I am influenced by what he did nearly every day of my life! And I am thankful for what he did.
The Bob Moog Foundation is doing important work with its MoogLab educational program and with its preservation efforts, including preserving and restoring reel-to- reel tapes from Bob’s archives. I cannot imagine the implications of losing any of this material—what if none of us had heard Switched on Bach all those years ago?
I deeply believe in the Foundation’s goals and their mission to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation. They are spearheading work that is historic and of profound importance. I deeply believe that the magic of Bob Moog ‘s legacy needs to be continually lifted and passed to a new generation. Bob’s legacy changed my life and I know that it can continue to inspire generations to come…and that is why I give generously each year to the Bob Moog Foundation.
The Bob Moog Foundation is a donor driven 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Please join me in supporting them in their tireless efforts to change people’s lives much like Bob did himself. Donate here.
With the Bob Moog Foundation’s help, kids around the country could be hearing a Moog synth for the very first time…
Kenn Florell
Southern Pines, NC
Countryman’s “Moog-Tastic” Pays Tribute
Moog-Tastic: A Tribute to Moog Instruments, Albums and Pioneers
By Dana Countryman
I am absolutely delighted to donate 20 copies of Moog-Tastic!, my new CD tribute to the many Moog synthesizer albums that inspired me when I was young, to the Bob Moog Foundation. It is my thank-you gift for your donation in support of this organization’s great work to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation. After all, the Moog synthesizer had been a huge influence on my musical life since I’d been in high school (early ‘70s.)
In addition to Moog-Tastic! CD, you will also receive, thanks to my friends at Oglio Records, Destination Space, which I wrote and recorded with Jean-Jacques Perrey. PLUS, while supplies last, you will receive a color photo, personally autographed by Jean-Jacques and myself. Guaranteed to be a collector’s item! The entire Bob Moog Foundation Moog-Tastic package is my thank-you gift for your donation of $75 to support their work to educate and inspire through electronic music.
Moog-Tastic! Collector's Package: "Moog-Tastic", "Destination Space", Signed Photo
Click here to support the Bob Moog Foundation and get your Moog-Tastic Collector’s package today!
Moog-Tastic! features original melodies for synthesizer, composed especially for this project. The styles run from rock to ragtime to filmscore to classical. Guest stars include Morgan Fisher (Mott the Hoople), Fay Lovsky (theremin), Vinnie Bell (guitar), and Jean-Jacques Perrey (crazy tape loops!) Sound samples can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/danacountryman.
It had been a 30-year dream of mine to someday own a “Moog”, and in 2002, I was finally able to put together my own modular synthesizer, thanks to several new manufacturers who’d sprung up, making “tribute” synthesizers to the original Moog that Bob Moog pioneered in the ‘60s.
Dana's Rack Mount Minimoog Voyager and Moogerfoogers
It all came full-circle when Moog Music finally released the minimoog Voyager, and I was able to buy a rack-mounted version of it. I also purchased all the Moogerfooger pedals as they came out, and mounted them all together in a rolling studio rack. Once I actually owned all these magical instruments, something even more magical happened to my musical life. I was asked by electronic pop music pioneer legend, Jean-Jacques Perrey to collaborate on an album with him! Unbelievable! I’d been a huge fan of his, since the late ‘60s.
To cut a very long story short, our Happy Electropop Music Machine album came out on Oglio Records in 2006, and that led to Jean-Jacques and I touring all over Europe and America. Two years later, we released our “Destination Space” album, and we played two special concerts in NYC and Montreal to announce its release. Also, just this summer, Comedy Central’s “South Park” used one of the tunes that Jean-Jacques and I recorded, for one of their crazy episodes.
The importance of my great friend, music partner, and French electronic music genius, Jean-Jacques Perrey, really cannot be understated. Before he and Gershon Kingsley recorded their The In Sound from Way Out! in 1966, electronic music was anything but popular. In fact, most of it was downright unlistenable. The academia-minded enthusiasts of early electronic music, chose to record mostly noises and strange sounds – but not much that could be considered recognizable music. Perrey (with arranger Kingsley) harnessed electronic music’s melodic possibilities, and built an extremely lucrative career, recording four classic albums, and scores of commercials with the Moog. Perrey’s Moog-fueled songs were grabbed up by ‘60s TV shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, Sesame Street and countless children’s programs.
Perrey and Kingsley’s Kaleidoscopic Vibrations – Spotlight on the Moog album was actually released before W. Carlos released the Grammy award-winning Switched-On Bach. Perrey and Kingsley’s original song from that album, Baroque Hoedown, managed to mix classical, Moog sounds and even a little Country! The tune was snapped up by Disneyland, and to this day can still be heard as part of the theme park’s delightful Main Street Electrical Parade.
Almost 30 years after it was written, Perrey’s 1970 song “E.V.A.” stormed the charts via a remix by Fatboy Slim. It hit Number One in England. Numerous hip-hop artists grabbed the same tune, and at last count it has been sampled by over 70 artists, including Ice T, Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest. Guess you could say that Mssr. Perrey was truly ahead of his time. And he’s still with us, at almost 82 years of age. My biography of Jean-Jacques Perrey has just been released and is available here. I really feel that his life and legacy need to be preserved for the future generations to come.
In the same way, the Bob Moog Foundation is continuing the legacy of Bob Moog. I’m just one of many, whose lives have been touched by Bob, and I’m honored to be able to give something back.
In case you’re wondering, the Bob Moog Foundation is completely separate from Moog Music, Inc. and relies on donors and grants to carry the Moog legacy forward.
I am excited to offer the Moog-Tastic! Collector’s Gift Package to those of you who click here make a donation of $75 to help carry Bob Moog’s legacy forward to future generations.
My favorite part of the Foundation’s goals is their program to put teach through synthesis, to reach children with electronic music at an early age. A pilot program has already begun in the Asheville, NC area. It’s proven to be a successful way to engage children and excite them about the science behind sound and behind electronic music. Instead of the normal brass band instruments, usually found in traditional schools’ music programs, they get to play around with real Moogs! I can only imagine what an impact it would have had on me, if only the grade school I attended sat me down at a Moog synthesizer when I was ten!
Another compelling part of the Foundation’s mission their work to save and protect Bob’s archives. Many of Bob’s rare schematics and synth prototypes are being preserved, as well as voluminous notes and scores of his detailed notebooks. Long range plans include an interactive “Moogseum”, where people can learn about electronic music, and experiment with synthesis.
I hope you’ll consider making a $75 donation to the Moog Foundation, and receive my “Moog-Tastic!” Collector’s Package.
Your dollars will go to helping bring the Bob Moog Foundation’s mission to life. The future of electronic music is now, and the legacy of Bob Moog’s musical genius is alive.
Please support the Bob Moog Foundation.
Thank you,
- Dana Countryman, synthesist, composer
Oglio recording artist
VOTE Today to Help Bob Moog Foundation win $250,000
Bob Moog Foundation’s MoogLab Up for $250,000 Grant! YOUR daily vote is needed!
The Bob Moog Foundation has made it to the voting round of this month’s Pepsi Refresh Everything Project, and online grant program where the winners are determined by popular vote. The Foundation has set forth a grant application for $250,000 to support its innovative MoogLab educational outreach program. MoogLab brings electronic musical instruments such as theremins and synthesizers into the schools to ignite children’s creativity through the intersection of science and music.
Please help us win this grant by voting daily both online and by text.
- Vote online daily at this link: http://www.refresheverything.com/bobmoogfoundation.
- Text a vote daily by texting 104827 to Pepsi (73774)
Here are other ways you can help:
- Share this link on your Facebook page and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to vote http://www.refresheverything.com/bobmoogfoundation.
- Tweet on Twitter and attach this “tiny” link to our voting link: http://tiny.cc/3jlsz
Pepsi Refresh Everything Project (http://www.refresheverything.com/) gives away $1.3 million per month to fund great ideas that refresh our communities. The MoogLab application specifies beginning curriculum development in Asheville, NC and growing the program to Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Detroit within a years’ time. In MoogLab, children play electronic instruments and learn the basic physics that makes them work. It’s fun, engaging, enlightening and IT WORKS!
| How will the 250K be Used? | |
| Budget Notes: This budget does not include Foundation infrastructure already in place. The Foundation’s Executive Director is already in place; funding delegated to her will allow her to visit MoogLab teaching sites, pursue further development opportunities, and provide thorough project oversight. | |
| $ 6,000 | Purchase of 20 Theremins for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 20,000 | Purchase of 20 keyboard synthesizers for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 20,000 | Purchase of 40 electronic music effects pedals for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 4,000 | Purchase of 20 oscilloscopes (used or donated) for teaching toolkits. |
| $ 10,000 | Purchase of road cases, cables, misc. materials for teaching toolkits. |
| $ 7,500 | Purchase of 1500 mini-Theremin toys for students to take home. |
| $ 5,000 | Design and printing of custom posters and handouts for all classes. |
| $ 3,500 | Shipping and insurance for 20 teaching toolkits. |
| $ 6,000 | Creation of online instructor education materials. |
| $ 85,000 | Funding for MoogLab teachers, videographers, and curriculum writers. |
| $ 6,000 | Funding for educational and music consultants. |
| $ 42,000 | Funding and infrastructure to hire full-time Project Coordinator. |
| $ 35,000 | Funding for Foundation Executive Director and associated operations |
Bob Moog Foundation Announces Music Industry Innovator Bryan Bell As New Chair of Board of Directors
New Board Chairman Brings Music, Technology and Industry Experience
In a recent Board meeting the Board of Directors of the Bob Moog Foundation elected Bryan Bell as its new Chairman. Bell, President and Founder of SynthBank, LLC and 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, is best known for his long relationships with Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and Neil Young. He is also well regarded for his work as a pioneer of the integration of the personal computer and networks into the music industry. During his tenure with Herbie Hancock, Bell and his team were responsible for 14 technology innovations. As a live audio engineer he was house mixer for some of the largest concerts in history. As a recording engineer Bell has received multiple platinum awards for his client’s projects.
Bryan Bell, Evan Brooks (Founder, Digidesign), Bob Moog, AES 2004
In addition to his current technology consulting practice, which provides businesses with outsourced Chief Technology Officer services, Bell has written articles on music and technology and has given speeches internationally. He has also maintained a high level of community service through several non-profit organizations including The Bridge School. Bell’s strengths in technology innovation, infrastructure, team building and non-profit management will be a great asset to the Board of the Bob Moog Foundation.
Bell states, “Bob Moog has been a true inspiration for me and many of my clients over the decades. Like Bob, my entire career has been focused on the intersection of science and creativity. It is an honor to be elected Chairman of the Board of the Bob Moog Foundation. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to their very important mission”.
Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bryan Bell, Winter NAMM 2009
The Bob Moog Foundation was launched in 2006 after Moog’s passing with a mission to educate and inspire people through electronic music. Its work is manifested through educational and historical projects focusing on teaching children science through music, preserving Moog’s extensive archives and creating a future interactive center, the Moogseum.
The Board of Directors of the Bob Moog Foundation would like to thank Steven Heller for his three years of service as a member, Thomas Beckett and Stu Zonder for their service as members and interim chairs and to Sean McDonald, who remains a member, for his four month service as interim co-chair.
The Bob Moog Foundation is encouraging qualified professionals with proven fundraising experience and relationships within the music, technology and education fields to apply for Board membership. Please inquire at info@moogfoundation.org.
The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) and is not affiliated with Moog Music, Inc.
Erik Norlander’s Galactic Incentive
For a Limited Time Only
Receive Erik Norlander’s New The Galactic Collective With $25 Donation
Erik Norlander is many things to the world of synth-driven symphonic rock. He is a maestro at the keys, a composer, producer, synth designer and a sterling bandmate and colleague to many in the music industry. To the Bob Moog Foundation, Erik is a rockstar advocate for our cause, raising his voice (and synths) for us time and time again:
- Catch him in this YouTube video talking about Bob’s legacy,
- Listen to the original song, The Princely Hours, that he composed for the Bob Moog Foundation on all Moog instruments here
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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Check out the photo gallery from his recent performance at our spring fundraiser Moogus Operandi, which took place on May 27th.
The Galactic Collective
For a limited time only, thanks to Erik’s generosity, we are able to offer his new CD, the very Moog-centric The Galactic Collective, with a donation of $25.00 to the BMF. Erik enthusiastically supports our efforts to teach science through electronic music, and to restore Bob’s archives, and to create a Moogseum, a hallmark interactive facility where these two goals will converge.
Please join Erik in supporting the BMF by donating today.
Not only will you be supporting the Bob Moog Foundaiton’s mission to educate, inspire and innovate through electronic music, you will receive Erik’s excellent CD which includes insightful liner notes from Michelle Moog-Koussa where she speaks to Erik’s connection to Bob Moog. Here is a sampling from those introductory notes :
“It is said that in hands of the highest caliber, the use of technology becomes magic. Not pull-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic, but awe-inspiring transcendental connection. Bob handed off his technological, musical baton and Erik Norlander has cradled it in his hands, skillfully, lovingly exploring the limits of sonic expression and incorporating it into his expressive, epic music. Magic.”
To read more about The Galactic Collective, check out this great review on Ystejam.
Have You Been Filtered? Moog Brew Ends August 15th
Moog Filtered Ale, on Sale Until August 15th, Creates a Buzz in Its First Month
Our limited edition Moog Filtered Ale, which went on sale on May 27th, has had a great first month! Thanks to all of you from around the country and around the world who have ordered and enjoyed our very special brew. Every bottle sold goes tot benefit our mission to teach science through music! In these tough economic times, it’s great to have creative ways to support our mission! Many thanks to the Asheville Brewing Company — they have made this effort possible.
Moog Filtered Ale will be sold only through August 15th, after which it will no longer be available. It is distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville’s Bruisin’ Ales. It’s also sold in bottles at Greenlife Grocery, Earth Fare, Hops & Vines and it is available on tap in various locations throughout Western North Carolina, including Asheville Pizza Company, the Orange Peel, and Lucy Otter.
Asheville artist Phil Cheney designed the bottle’s original label, which shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with his head surrounded by knobs, cables, and musical notes. The beer has been getting rave reviews not only for its taste, but for the benefit it supports:
“We love the idea of paying tribute to a great pioneer like Bob Moog with a beer. What higher honor is there? Moog Filtered Ale is a good session beer for drinking with coworkers after a hectic day of work. And that session can be made even more enjoyable by admiring the awesome label.”
–Wired.com
“I can’t recall shipping any one beer to so many states before. Clearly the bond between musicians and beer speaks volumes with the sales success of Moog Filtered Ale.”
–Julie Atallah, Owner, Bruisin’ Ales (RateBeer 2010’s #3 Beer Retailer Worldwide)
“Moog Filtered Ale is definitely the fastest selling beer we’ve ever produced, a testament to Bob Moog’s connection with people all over the world and to the beer’s great taste. The high volume of sales confirms that synergistic combination. Add the fact that it supports an essential non-profit organization, and it’s a win-win for all.”
–Mike Rangel, President, Asheville Brewing Company
“This stuff is really tasty. I’d better stock up so I have plenty on hand before it disappears in a few weeks.”
– Geary Yelton, Contributing Editor, Electronic Musician
“My father would have loved the taste of this beer, and the concept behind it. He’d be delighted to have a brew all his own.”
– Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director, Bob Moog Foundation
HAVE YOU BEEN FILTERED? Click here to make it happen!
