Drew Hosler and Danielle Kuntz

The _____ Experiment (pronounced The “Blank” Experiment) is an up and coming flexible instrumentation ensemble based in the Midwest. This ensemble was originally founded in 2017 by Andrew Hosler (saxophones), Michelle Cusick (clarinets), and Natalie Pate (harp). The ____ Experiment quickly began collaborating with composers around the United States to create works for this new instrumentation. After a recital tour featuring performances at Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University in Ohio, The _____ Experiment recorded its first album, Conversations, which was released in March 2020. This album featured collaborations with composers from multiple states, including: Michigan, Connecticut, and Arizona.

In July of 2020 The ____ Experiment expanded to include oboist, Ava Wirth. Throughout the rest of the year, the ensemble worked to record pieces that were compatible with socially distanced settings. One of these works was the first composer collaboration with the new instrumentation: Tyler Mazone’s “Mini Personalities” for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, and Tenor Saxophone. In the Spring of 2021, the ensemble continued to expand to include Maya Grossman on Basson. During this time, The _____ Experiment was heading a commission for composer Josh Trentadue. In May of 2021, the newest member was added to the ensemble, harpist Danielle Kuntz.

On August 1st of 2021, the entire ensemble met in person, the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. During this meeting, The _____ Experiment rehearsed and recorded new works to be released during the fall of 2021. Six of these works will be released on the October recital, “Kadupul”. This recital will have three world premieres, including the commission with Josh Trentadue, “Meditation and Hymn to Nature”.

The members of The _____ Experiment are located in Ann Arbor, MI, Cleveland, OH, Chicago, IL, Wichita, KS, and San Francisco, CA. When not rehearsing, the members of this ensemble enjoy mountain biking, taking care of their pets and plants, and laughing at cheesy jokes about musicians.

You can find the duet’s performance here.