10 September, 2002 Press releases

PR No.10/2002 BA Festival of Science, 10 September 2002 Antarctic Waves was launched at a Science Year Conference – Learning about Science in Society, and at an all-day demonstration at the University of Leicester, Ken Edwards Building. A ?toolkit? to make cool music from hot science was launched this week at the British Association (BA) Festival of Science in Leicester. Two years in production, Antarctic Waves is the first interactive CD teaching resource that introduces students to the excitement of Antarctic science through music composition. Using a medium normally associated with computer games, Antarctic Waves is designed to inspire composition in an entertaining way and yet still meet the needs of students and teachers by complementing UK music curricula for 11-19 year olds. Through a virtual tour of Antarctica students can surf through a glacier, follow a wandering albatross in search of food, play a fishing game, explore the ocean, sky or space in five interactive areas, each with detailed composing guides and top tips. Antarctic Waves is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between creative multi-media experts Braunarts and British Antarctic Survey in association with the Philharmonia Orchestra. It is funded by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts). Leading scientists, composers, music educationalists and software programmers pooled their talents to produce this ground-breaking resource. Secondary school music teachers across the country will receive instructions on how to claim a free copy of Antarctic Waves.

Issued by BAS Press Office: Contacts: British Antarctic Survey. Linda Capper tel: 01223 221448, mobile 07714 233744 Email: l.capper@bas.ac.uk Athena Dinar tel: 01223 221414, mobile: 07740 822229 email: a.dinar@bas.ac.uk Braunarts: Gabriella Braun tel: 0208 670 9917; mobile: 07973 800841; email gabi@braunarts.com NESTA: Clare Lovett tel: 0207 645 9510

NOTES FOR EDITORS: Review copies of Antarctic Waves are available from the BAS Press Office. Photography Broadcast quality video and stills of children using Antarctic Waves are available from the BAS Press Office. A number of photo opportunities are available at the launch ? contact the press office for details. Images for immediate download Music teachers at all UK secondary schools where GCSE or A-level music, or equivalent, is taught will be sent details of how to claim a free copy of Antarctic Waves. Subsequent copies are available for purchase. Prices start at ?39.20 per CD, reducing to ?8.20 per CD when ordering 15 or more. Antarctic Waves is a spin-off from a joint commission by BAS and the Philharmonia Orchestra of a new Antarctic Symphony, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. In 1997 the composer visited Antarctica with BAS. The symphony had its World Premi? at the Royal Festival Hall, London in May 2001. General information about British Antarctic Survey British Antarctic Survey (BAS) undertakes a world-class programme of science in the Antarctic and related regions, addressing key global and regional issues through research, survey and monitoring. BAS also helps to discharge the UK’s international responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System. British Antarctic Survey is part of the Natural Environment Research Council. British Antarctic Survey has a continuing commitment to education. Together with co-producers the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, it won the Geography Association?s Gold Certificate for best new educational resource with its Antarctic Schools Pack. For more information on British Antarctic Survey please visit the website at: www.antarctica.ac.uk Background on Braunarts Braunarts are creative producers of new digital media exploring the arts and culture. Coming from a background of broadcasting and new media their pioneering multi-media work has broken new ground in fusing interactive technologies and the arts. These include 3D Music, an online performance experience created in collaboration with the London Sinfonietta; and JavaDance, a digital work that uses ?Lara Croft? technology to bring 8th Century Javanese temple sculptures to life. Braunarts are recognised for development of high-quality educational resources including ?Backtracks? ? a CD rom linking music with moving images for Channel 4 and the British Film Institute; ?The Music Show?, a 10-part music education TV series; and, ?Journeys in the Roman Empire? for The British Museum and Channel 4 ? an interactive exploration of Roman life. For more information on Braunarts, please visit the website at: www.braunarts.com

Speaking from the British Association Science Festival, Lord Sainsbury said: “Antarctic Waves is an innovative way for scientists to engage society. Young people are our future and this is an imaginative way for them to be introduced to science and the environment.”