March 27, 2025 - Frank Martin, The Current Electronic Music Scene

Posted by Editor: FDBobko

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The FOGHORN

ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY

March 27, 2025

Frank Martin

The Current Electronic Music Scene

Article by Steve Wilson

We had an interesting and unusual speaker in Frank Martin, who brought his wife Jasmine. Frank, born in France and at times a resident of Fiji, is a specialist in electronic music. He brought his synthesizer with him, which to the uninitiated looks like a box of spaghetti with runaway DNA.

We were treated to a unique sound experience as well as a brief history of electronic music. The antecedent of the synthesizer is the theramin, used for sound tracks in spooky B movies. He is self-taught and has some performances available online. He discussed the parallel development of different forms of synthesizers on the East and West Coasts. Frank described the electronic music scene (largely in universities, but with a hub for sharing and experience in San Francisco as well).

Finally, Frank answered some questions about the rebirth of vinyl recordings, the financial structure of the current music business and how little performers are paid when their music is streamed. The question and answer part was very active.

CLUB MEETING March 27, 2025

Our March 27 meeting began with a nod and bow to Mitone, our incoming Assistant District Governor, who lit up the District Convention with her address. Well done, Mitone.

Pledge of Allegiance N/A

Inspirational Thought N/A

Guests Our guests included two longtime Rotacare volunteers who updated on the vital work done by that service locally and the need for more volunteers.

Kevin also introduced a friend who is a former Rotarian elsewhere and may be interested in joining us; and Steve introduced Hans and Jill Kuendig, longtime Coastsiders and mental health professionals known to a number of us.

Announcements and News - Charise went through the Life Skills interview schedule for the week ahead and it seemed that we had that pretty well covered. Thanks as always, Charise.

Pres. Irwin's Weekly Quiz - Pres. Irwin had us play a “whisper game” as we passed a sentence down the line to see if it was accurately repeated. It wasn’t, of course.

Marble Game - N/A

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