Bonnie Barnett: Another Under Houston Humming

Bonnie Barnett returns to the Houston tunnels for Another Under Houston Humming, made possible by Cameron Management.

What is a HUM? Bonnie Barnett created the HUM in 1981, with a small, acoustic vocal event in San Francisco. Since then, she has staged dozens of HUMs across the United States, including one in the downtown Houston tunnels for the New Music America Festival in 1986. A short verbal score, or list of instructions, outlines the process of breathing, humming and singing, all in a harmonious major tonality. Anyone can participate in a HUM – no musical or vocal technique or experience is necessary. There will be instruments at the HUM, playing the chord, so no one has to worry if they are in tune or not.

Photo: Bonnie Barnett, 2012, by Steve DeGroodt