At the Creativity and Innovation Living Learning Building on a recent Saturday afternoon, Carter Roberts, a senior specializing in music and an active member of the Institute of Creativity, Art, and Technology (ICAT), unveiled a collection of his musical and digital media creations developed throughout his college years. While much of his work was produced during his time at Virginia Tech, his passion for the arts began to take shape long before he arrived in Blacksburg. Roberts' projects span various musical genres, each carrying its own distinct message, offering audiences a diverse experience that ranges from evoking anxiety to inspiring movement. His notable contributions include participating in the 80th Anniversary of D-Day event organized by ICAT and the Torgersen Bridge projection celebrating the university’s sesquicentennial anniversary. As Roberts anticipates graduation this spring, he envisions continuing his journey in music and production, considering further studies in media scoring at prestigious institutions such as NYU or Royal Hallway College in London.
Roberts’ interest in music blossomed during his high school years when he realized the potential of pursuing music seriously. Inspired by his father's involvement in a band, Roberts embarked on a path that grew through multiple influences over time. His works encompass a wide array of musical styles, including string quartets and rave compositions, each designed to convey unique narratives. The unpredictability of his concert performances adds an element of excitement, where one piece might evoke tension while another invites listeners to dance along.
Beyond contributing to major university events, Roberts has also engaged in smaller-scale projects that have allowed him to refine his craft. Among these were significant roles in producing multimedia experiences like the D-Day commemoration and the historical bridge projections. These opportunities provided valuable insights into large-scale event management and highlighted the collaborative nature of creative productions. Despite acknowledging the relative ease of his role compared to others involved, Roberts remains deeply appreciative of the vibrant energy surrounding such endeavors.
Facing challenges inherent in any artistic endeavor, Roberts embraced new territories by incorporating visual elements into his latest presentation. This aspect presented difficulties due to its unfamiliarity, requiring careful decisions about what aspects to exclude from the final product. Additionally, addressing the audience directly proved to be one of the more daunting tasks for him. Throughout his journey, Roberts has benefited immensely from supportive relationships with friends, mentors like Dr. Nichols, and fellow collaborators such as Tanner Upthegrove from ICAT, alongside unwavering parental encouragement.
Looking ahead, Roberts aims to balance rest following graduation with exploring advanced educational opportunities in media scoring. His aspirations include composing music for video games, reflecting a lifelong dedication to blending technology with artistic expression. For those interested in delving deeper into Roberts' past accomplishments, additional details can be accessed via resources highlighting his contributions to both historical commemorations and personal creative milestones.