Music About, For, and From Soils

June 16, 2023

AI-generated image created with the assistance of DALL·E 2.

Do you sing about soils? Do you compose music that shares your enthusiasm for soil with others? Do you listen to the sounds of soils? Are you creatively exploring soil patterns by using sound? Consider attending the symposium Music About, For, and From Soils at the SSSA Annual Meeting in St. Louis this November.

The objectives of this symposium are: (1) to provide SSSA members an opportunity for creative expression of their thoughts and feelings about soils and the scientific work they do; (2) to highlight the potential for music to enhance communication about, for, and from soils in the context of a professional audience as well as a lay audience; and (3) to provide an innovative atmosphere for attendees to enjoy the professional meeting. It is co‐sponsored by four SSSA divisions: Forest, Range, and Wildland Soils; Soil Biology and Biochemistry; Soil Education and Outreach; and Wetland Soils. AI‐generated image created with the assistance of DALL·E 2.

Volunteered musical presentations were solicited from SSSA members and other meeting attendees. Presentations will be invited in these categories:

Music about soils (e.g., soil processes; properties; variability; distribution; habitats; connections to landscapes, biomes, and culture)
Music for soils (e.g., significance to humankind; soil security; the fragile nature of soils; restoration of soils affected by erosion, pollution, or desertification; advocacy for soil stewardship)
Music from soils (e.g., music based on translating data from soil processes into sounds; direct recordings of sounds in soil and their interpretation; and music based on the patterns of life in soils such as seed germination, root growth, and invertebrate activities)

Performance

Music will be performed/presented by those who submit abstracts to the symposium. The music may be in a variety of formats although in‐person performances will be limited to portable instruments that are provided by the performer. Original compositions are encouraged, but instrumental or vocal performance of others’ compositions will also be accepted. Collaboration between composers and lyricists are encouraged. Instrumental music composed to accompany prose or poetry readings are also invited.

The symposium is not the same as the poster and five‐minute rapid oral session “Using Music and Other Art in Soils Education and Outreach” (also planned for St. Louis). The session Music About, For, and From Soils will be held in a regular meeting room instead of the exhibit hall.

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