Rather than a physical sculpture, I have composed a piece of music for the Dwelling exhibit. I wanted to explore the contemplative nature of the cemetery as well as the relationships that the various cemetery 'dwellers' have with their surroundings. My intent was to create music that evokes my own personal feelings about spending time within the borders of Forest Hills through the words and voices of a variety of other cemetery dwellers.

Over the course of several months in early spring, I interviewed twenty six people in the cemetery (both visitors and employees). I recorded these interviews and have used them as building blocks for the music in tandem with traditional instruments.

In order to hear the piece while on the cemetery grounds, I have set up a phone system whereby listeners can call a number on their cell phone (617.344.6796) and hear the piece. Listeners can alternatively download the music to their iPod or web-enabled phone and hear the full stereo version. The phone system is also designed to collect additional spoken contributions via voicemail which will be selectively incorporated into the piece on an ongoing basis.

I hope that the experience will be dictated partly by the music and the voices and partly by the ambient sounds, smells and sights people will encounter as they make their way through the cemetery on a path of their choosing.

One Hundred and Four Thousand

- a musical composition with voices from Forest Hills Cemetery

• Why do we bury people when they die?
• Are cemeteries scary?
• Is this a place of life or a place of death?
• How does the cemetery make you feel?