Bio
Gunter is a composer and guitar player based in Memphis, Tn who’s work combines interests in noise composition and genre music. His recent work utilizes folk melodies, chaotic textures, and improvisation to explore themes of interpersonal connection and accessibility.
In particular, his work looks to utilize visceral, relatable gestures along with familiar tonal languages and extended techniques in order to encourage meaningful connection in shared spaces. A recent partnership with Crosstown Arts in Memphis resulted in a performance project wherein the performers and audience were challenged to connect over a shared experience despite not sharing physical space. The resulting piece focused on the use of gestures centered around breath, heartbeat, and vocalization to encourage players to become more intimately aware of their physical relationship to one another and extend a sense of physical vulnerability to an audience. Gunter will serve as a composer in residence at Crosstown Arts in Spring 2022 where he will build upon the themes in this piece as he works toward the release of his debut album.
Additionally, Gunter works as the music teacher at Memphis Rise Academy High School where his curriculum focuses on the use of music technology, improvisation, and experiential learning as means of empowering student artistic voices. He is passionate about the opportunity for new music to offer greater equity in music education and ultimately enable students to build a stronger, local music community. He teaches courses in concert band, jazz band, guitar, and music technology.
Gunter’s work has been recognized in calls for scores by Liminal Space Ensemble, TEMPO Ensemble, Ann DuHamel’s Prayers for a Feverish Planet, the New York Dance & Arts Innovations, the Boston New Music Initiative, and the American Prize. His music has been presented by ensembles across the US and abroad including loadbang, Hypercube, Julius Quartet, Four Corners Ensemble, Quijote Duoand Ensemble PHACE. Gunter holds a BA in jazz guitar performance from Rhodes College as well as an MM in composition and Master’s in Teaching from the University of Memphis.
Press Links:
Ann DuHamel talks Prayers for a Feverish Planet on Modern Notebook
Those Who Watch on Minnesota Public Radio
Interview on Breath/Heart/Voice with Crosstown Arts
