An innovative musical experience, "The Sound of the Council Oak," debuted at Tulsa's Chimera Ballroom. This captivating performance marked the finale of the Plant Music Micro-Festival and was crafted by Mark Kuykendall, an experimental electronic composer. J.D. Colbert, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, joined him to share historical narratives tied to the Council Oak tree. The event showcased how technology can interpret natural phenomena into art, creating a bridge between culture and nature.

The Plant Music Micro-Festival spanned from February 17th to February 23rd, featuring exhibitions and workshops that blended plants with technology. At its heart lay the concept of translating plant electrical signals into sound through advanced machinery. This groundbreaking approach allowed audiences to interact directly with the music, altering it through their own bioelectric fields. Kuykendall's vision for future performances involves deepening this connection even further.

Technology Meets Tradition: Crafting the Council Oak Symphony

This segment explores how Mark Kuykendall transformed the biological rhythms of the Council Oak tree into a mesmerizing auditory experience. By utilizing specialized equipment, he captured real-time data from the living organism and converted it into musical notes. His method involved intricate processes such as biofeedback recording and analog synthesis, resulting in a composition that resonated deeply with both technological innovation and ecological sensitivity.

Kuykendall explained that extracting meaningful sounds required direct access to the tree’s vital tissues rather than relying on external structures like bark or branches. Each section of the piece represented a century in the life of the ancient tree, culminating in a contemporary reflection. To achieve this, he divided the performance into four distinct movements lasting ten minutes each, symbolizing the estimated four centuries since the tree’s inception. During these intervals, J.D. Colbert enriched the narrative by sharing tales and insights about the Muscogee (Creek) heritage intertwined with the tree’s existence.

Engaging Audiences: Bridging Art, Science, and Culture

Audience participation played a crucial role in enhancing the sensory dimension of "The Sound of the Council Oak." Attendees were invited to touch plants connected to the system, thereby introducing their personal bioelectric contributions into the mix. This interactive element not only personalized the listening experience but also highlighted the interconnectedness of all living beings within ecosystems.

Beyond the live show, Kuykendall expressed aspirations to expand upon this concept in future projects. He envisions scenarios where participants might engage directly with the Council Oak itself, experiencing its essence firsthand while witnessing the transformation of raw data into harmonious melodies. Such ambitions align closely with the mission of the Artists Creative Fund, which supported this endeavor by providing resources aimed at fostering creativity among local artists. As interest grows around plant-based music, Kuykendall remains optimistic about continuing to push boundaries in merging science, art, and cultural storytelling.