ComposerJones

I am so excited for this program!  As part of the Cazenovia Counterpoint Music Festival, the Society for New Music has asked me to mentor local high school musicians as they compose a new piece.  (We’ve included a couple of college freshmen as well!)  The Cazenovia Public Library has provided space and computers for our use, and the Guitar Center here in Syracuse has provided midi keyboards.  All we need now are enthusiastic young musicians who want an incredible opportunity not only to compose, but to have their piece played by professional musicians at the end of the festival!

We’re all set to go.  I spent some time yesterday afternoon at the Cazenovia Public Library setting up the workspace, computers and keyboards for the participants in this program.  I’m polishing up the reference materials for their use, and at 9:00 Monday morning, I’ll be at the library ready to go.  The program runs at the library from July 6 to the 18th, and although we lose the use of the equipment after that, I’ll be around the following week to help them with any last-minute work.  And on July 25, Family Arts Day, everyone can hear their accomplishments at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park.

I am really looking forward to working with these kids, and I have no worries about their creativity.  I’m willing to bet they are bursting with ideas!  My role will be to help them focus those ideas, really develop them so they end up with a well-written, cohesive work.  (And maybe spark a new idea here and there.)  There’s no need to worry that I’ll take over the pieces, though.  I’ll be around, helping and guiding, but these are their pieces, not mine.  I want to help them express their voice, like my own composition teachers did for me.

While the kids are in town, they (and their families, of course) will be encouraged to come to some of the concerts during the festival.  In particular, I think they’ll really enjoy the Rising Stars Concerts on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 22 at 12:30 at St. Peter’s Hall.  Here they’ll see performances by talented musicians close to their own age, and hear brand new compositions as well.  It’s a great opportunity for them to realize just what composing (or performing!) can mean to them.

Please do check out the Society for New Music website for a complete schedule of events.  Also, keep checking the blog throughout the festival.  I’ll be attending most of the events, and will post reviews as I go.

Hope to see you in Caz!