05/15/2026
We're happy to introduce a new TFSE Artist in Residence, Bill Camphouse.
Composer, former public school music educator, and integral in the formation of Kaskaskia College's music program, Camphouse aims to collect, document, and transcribe bird vocalizations into the language of standard music notation. Then, he will incorporate those sounds into a composition scored for strings, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. His finished piece will be a descriptive musical composition that realistically represents an element unique to Emiquon, "the natural voices that speak of restoration."
Camphouse conducted the field portion of his project the first week of May. He shared the following about his Emiquon experience:
"I went into my AIR working visit at Emiquon with expectations of gathering songbird vocalizations, then weaving bits of those sounds serving as central themes of an original musical composition for woodwind quintet soloists accompanied by string orchestra & percussion. I'm pleased to report that I was challenged and pleasantly surprised by the variety of species that freely contributed their vocal skills from daybreak 'till late afternoon at various sites (waterfront, bluff tops, meadows, wooded areas) throughout the preserve."
He continues, "My most immediate task is to 1) adapt 'pencil & paper' field notes I collected into standard musical notation 2) make decisions about which sounds can be quoted and developed and 3) create an original composition incorporating basic musical elements into melodic phrases, rhythmic patterns, instrumentation and contrasting ideas. It becomes my responsibility to skillfully use these 'recipe' ingredients and measure, combine, stir, season, heat and serve each in a composition that becomes meaningful, listenable music. You will please excuse the mixed metaphors!"
Camphouse concludes, "Natural science and history continue to chronicle, in fact-based terms, the past, present and future of Emiquon. Similarly, the sights, sounds, inhabitants and the overall ethic ... yes, its value as this beautiful place described in human and artistic terms ... is another aspect of Emiquon's significance. My role as an AIR composer is to document, shape and share those sounds inspired by feathered Emiquon residents over the centuries. You're welcome to join my colleagues and I as we make a public presentation of our creative works on Sunday, August 23rd from 1 to 4 p.m. "
The AIR program aims to connect the science and artistic perspective of the Emiquon Preserve. Our goal is to build a community of artists and to provide space for them to create unique interpretive works of art. The program is supported by funding from the UIS Visionary Giving Circle and the Two Rivers Arts Council/Illinois Arts Council. For more program information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.uis.edu/emiquon/visit-emiquon/artist-residence
