An anxious audience awaits; a video screen invited to dance along to the flow of beautiful music stubbornly refuses to do so. Jory Herman, with a wink and a grin, entreats the audience for their patience until the show can go on. And suddenly, it does: the mistake is found, and Jory is able to sync his video with a full orchestra at a 2009 New World Orchestra Workshop conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. No sweat!
San Diego Symphony Orchestra bassist Jory Herman is a videography artist. He paints pictures to music through different elements such as lights and videos. We know what you’re thinking; it’s like a screen saver, a little effect that has nothing to do with the music, just something pretty to play in the background. On the contrary, it is quite the opposite. Jory’s video pieces are meant to intuit and reflect the feeling of the music. Either being very minimalist or inherently intricate, these image collages compliment the music in an abstract, though relatable way.
Jory has been putting together these pieces since 2009, creating about one or two a year. He has created selections for both instrumental solos and small and large ensembles. Although there are many works in the repertoire that he has already conquered, Jory says that he wouldn’t attempt anything from the Romantic/Classical/Baroque period: “Those pieces of music are already so full of elements and emotion it would be hard to find just the right match.” Jory is all about finding the right visual ideas to supplement and harmonize with the music, not distracting from the music.
Jory continues to create these video synchronizations. And while we hope there aren’t any more technical difficulties like in 2009, we can’t wait to see what else he creates. For a closer look at Jory’s video artwork, check out his website! http://www.joryherman.com/Multimedia.html
FUN FACT: Jory also competes in triathlons. There isn’t any one thing that he likes the most about competing. It’s a compilation of all the elements that take up the preparations. “It’s kind of like preparing to play music, in a way,” Jory says.
