Bingo Variations is a set of improvisatory pieces based on patterns derived from common variations on the game of bingo. For each variation, a region of the fretboard is isolated, defining a grid of 5 frets by 5 strings that serves as the bingo board. Within this grid, a subset of notes is chosen based on the specific variation of bingo that is represented in that given piece. At a minimum, the bingo patterns determine the pitch sets used. More often, they also influence the behavior of activity, the number of sections and/or the overall structure of the individual piece. The Bingo Variations are exercises in improvisation, memory, and pattern recognition. The performer is encouraged to internalize the instructions for each piece so that full attention can be spent on visualization of the patterns on the fretboard and issues of progression and improvisation.
