Merriam-Webster defines odd as “differing markedly from the usual, ordinary, or accepted.” Some people are odd in a way that makes you want to get away from them as fast as possible. Some people are odd in a way that makes you gravitate toward them and want to know what’s going on in their fabulous mind. Gahlord Dewald is the second kind of odd. And I was fortunate to be able to bear witness to some of my friends experiencing a bit of what springs from his wonderful mind.

Using a modular synthesizer, Gahlord took Mike Simonsen, Laura Monroe, Chris Drayer, Bill Lublin, Tracy Sichterman and Kendyl Young on an experimental musical journey at yesterday’s RE Barcamp 10 Year Anniversary event, REBCX. He used their voices as part of the input and asked them to speak into the device an explanation of how their orientation has shifted over the last decade.

He first gave an explanation of OODA loop and why he thinks many people misunderstand it. I won’t do it justice, so I’ll just regurgitate the Wikipedia intro:  “OODA loop is the decision cycle of observe, orient, decide, and act, developed by military strategist and United States Air Force Colonel John Boyd.” Gahlord is an expert in its implementation and watching him lead this intelligent and talented group of friends through a reorientation process using a modular synthesizer was truly the highlight of my day. My experience was different from their experience… and still wonderful.

Here are a few photos from the session.

Jeff Turner

See Full Bio