More thinking about 'Columns'

In thinking some more about the columns for 'CD-SIDE', I was trying out some improvisation in some instrumental lessons and ensembles this week. In trying to break things down into the simplest and most 'objective' ways of dealing with sound, I built upon what we had been discussing by using the following sets of opposites:
Soft/Loud
Slow/Fast
Short/Long
Low/High
Empty/Full (thinking in terms of space or density)
...also wondering about...
Even/Uneven (with steady pulse/without steady pulse)

Experimented in using the 'volume' cue (from Soundpainting), but applying it to any one (or even combinations of) the above opposites. Students of all levels seem able to successfully follow these cues, and in doing so are also able to reflect on how they sometimes combine elements together without realizing it (i.e. when they play fast they, tend to play loud, etc).

This led to some interesting discussion about using more subjective opposites in their improvisation (i.e. happy/sad, bright/dark, lazy/energetic, silly/serious). We did try out improvising using the subjective opposites with the 'level cue' arm gesture. The musical results were interesting and led to some good reflective discussion regarding which of the 'Simple opposites' they found themselves working with in order to create in a more abstract way.

Just wondering if/how this way of thinking in opposites might/might not play into the cue system. Also makes me think of the Cobra 'crossfade' cue and it how might apply. And also keeps me thinking further about some kind of 'sound board' where the various cues might live (as opposed to hand signals in order to request cues).

Just food for thought...