As the Ferst Center’s ARTech resident artist for 2011-12, Simmons collaborated with academic units across campus and interacted with hundreds of students. In the ARTech program, artists explore the connection between art and technology, visiting the Georgia Tech campus to develop work that employs science or technology as an integral part of the creative development process. In her residency Simmons explored the ways rhythm is integral to music, technology and human interaction. 

Campus collaborations were extensive in the residency this year.  Since last October Simmons:

• Met with students in English 101 and 102 classes;

• Attended a National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority Tea;

• Held a master class in piano for students;

• Worked with Shimon, Georgia Tech’s improvising robotic musician;

• Met with GT1000 for a class on “Stress, Success and the Arts”;

• Led a symposium on “Implications of Race and Gender in Classical Performance”;

• Attended a Student Arts Reception;

• Met with a Georgia Tech Music Appreciation class;

• Met with Women In Architecture to discuss “The Creative Impulse”; and

• Was a special guest performer at Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization's "Legends and Leaders" event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the matriculation of Georgia Tech's first African-American students.

In addition, Simmons conducted three outreach workshops with younger students at Drew Charter School, Centennial Place Elementary School and Kennedy Middle School.

In the concluding concert at the Ferst Center, Simmons performed a piece written by Georgia Tech professor Gil Weinberg with Shimon, Georgia Tech's improvising robotic musician. The concert also featured saxophonist and electronic musician Jonathan Sanford and percussionist/composer Craig Hauschildt.  

The goal of the ARTech Residency program is to engage one or more performing artists each season to work with identified faculty and students and to demonstrate how art and technology intersect to impact the creative process and ultimately affect our daily lives. Collaborations will emphasize a particular exploration of the arts and science or technology that has a unique connection with Georgia Tech. ARTech supports the vision and mission of the Ferst Center for the Arts and the Division of Student Affairs by providing innovative programs that broaden students’ perspectives and enrich their total student experience at Georgia Tech. More information on the ARTech residency can be found at www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu.