Experimental AV

Step into the world of experimental filmmaking and sound creation with the Marsyas Trio, visionary composer Laura Bowler, and experimental filmmaker Julian Hand. This immersive one-day workshop invites students to explore the dynamic intersection of music and film, drawing inspiration from their groundbreaking collaboration on Salutem. Through hands-on activities in graphic scoring, experimental sound composition, and camera-less filmmaking, participants will push creative boundaries and discover new ways to express ideas through sound and visuals.

By working directly with professional musicians and filmmakers, students will gain valuable insight into the creative process, learning how music and moving images can interact in unexpected and powerful ways. The workshop fosters a spirit of collaboration, encouraging students to think beyond conventional storytelling and embrace new techniques that challenge traditional approaches to composition and visual art. Whether they are musicians looking to expand their artistic vocabulary or aspiring filmmakers eager to experiment with abstract visuals, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to develop skills, spark creativity, and engage with artistic expression in an entirely new way.

Experimental AV Workshop - The Marsyas Trio and Julian Hand

Exploring Experimental Audio-Visual Production: A One-Day Workshop

Join the Marsyas Trio, acclaimed composer Laura Bowler, and experimental filmmaker Julian Hand for an immersive one-day workshop delving into the creative intersection of music and film. Inspired by their collaborative work on Salutem, this hands-on experience invites students to explore graphic scoring, experimental sound composition, and innovative camera-less filmmaking techniques.

Meet the Artists

The Marsyas Trio—flautist Helen Vidovich, cellist Valerie Welbanks, and pianist Olga Stezhko—is one of the UK’s foremost chamber ensembles, known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

Julian Hand, a London-based experimental filmmaker, specialises in analogue and digital moving image, light projections, and site-specific installations. His work spans experimental films, music videos, and live visual performances.

Laura Bowler, described as a “triple-threat composer-performer provocatrice,” is internationally recognised for her work in contemporary music, theatre, and opera. Her compositions have been commissioned by leading ensembles and orchestras worldwide.

The Art of Experimentation: Highlights from Our AV Workshops

The sheer creativity and imagination displayed in the students' films speak for themselves—from the eclectic and inventive titles alone, it’s clear that each workshop was brimming with artistic energy. This selection represents just a fraction of the many incredible short films we’ve produced with students over the past two years as part of our outreach program.

A heartfelt thank you to all the students and staff who participated and supported our Experimental AV Workshop. Each session was a truly special experience, filled with collaboration, curiosity, and boundless creativity. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved made these workshops an absolute joy to lead.

We hope to bring this workshop back in the future once additional funding is secured—watch this space for updates and news!

Here’s a selection of student films from our Experimental AV Workshop—a showcase of creativity and innovation from the talented students of Leyton Sixth Form College, Sacred Heart School, Newcastle Academy, Endon High School, and Kings Priory School. This showreel highlights their imaginative storytelling and bold experimentation in sound and visuals.

Workshop Overview

In this dynamic and collaborative session, participants embark on a creative journey, beginning with the composition of graphic scores and experimental audio pieces. Under the guidance of Laura Bowler and the Marsyas Trio, students explore the expressive possibilities of acoustic instruments, utilising extended techniques to shape their unique soundscapes.

Working together, students conceptualise a theme for their soundscape, translate it into a graphic score, and direct the Marsyas Trio in performing and recording their compositions.

As the workshop progresses, attention shifts to visual storytelling. Under the expert guidance of Julian Hand, participants engage in camera-less filmmaking—directly marking, scratching, and manipulating celluloid film to create abstract, textural responses to their sound compositions.

In the final session, students collaborate to produce short experimental films, blending sound and visuals in a way that mirrors the immersive approach of Salutem. The day culminates in a screening of each group’s work, with constructive feedback from the facilitators. Each participant leaves with a copy of their film, a tangible piece of their creative exploration, perfect for portfolios and showreels.