25 Jun
Press Releases

2013-08-01 SACRAMENTO, CA — CSIC LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SERVICES TO CONNECT COMPOSERS WITH EDUCATORS

Sacramento, CA – Composers and Schools in Concert Launches New Online Ways to Connect Composers with Educators

In August 2013, Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched three new online services dedicated to helping youth music educators connect with professional composers and advance the creation and performance of contemporary music. These online services, hosted on CSIC’s website, include a Composer Directory, a Score Library, and a Directory of Workshop Opportunities.

The CSIC Composer Directory allows educators to browse through CSIC-vetted composers available for youth music commissions. Through CSIC’s Commissions in Concert program, educators can select a composer to create a piece specifically for their youth ensemble. Over a series of rehearsals, the composer takes the students through the process of new music creation. Students get the extraordinary opportunity of performing a piece written specifically for them and get an up-close look at the profession of music composition. “This online tool allows youth music educators throughout the country to find a composer in their area using our website directory. It facilitates the process,” says Executive Director, Lisa Oman.

The CSIC Score Library is a searchable directory which lists scores prepared by composers, (including those commissioned by CSIC), that are particularly suited, yet challenging and innovative, for youth ensembles. The Score Library gives educators a centralized resource for reviewing scores outside the standard youth music repertoire.

The CSIC Workshop Directory lists the availability of composer-submitted youth workshops on a variety of composition-related topics. These workshops are meant to enhance standard music curricula and may be woven into standardized class periods. Educator cue sheets with details about each workshop and its curricular highlights are available for download.

CSIC’s mission is to not only provide high school aged students with the opportunity to study in music composition but also to provide support and resources to music educators and professional composers. The newest additions to CSIC’s website give music educators and composers new and interactive tools for continuing to teach and influence the next generation of composers.

Composers and music educators who are interested in learning more about CSIC’s Composer Directory, Workshop directory, and Score Library can visit CSIC’s website at www.composersandschools.com.

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Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in 2011 to give high school-music students the opportunity to work closely with professional composers.  Led by CSIC Executive Director, Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school-age students with the experience of working with a professional composer. Through musical collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of a professional composer.

Lisa Oman
Lisa Oman, Founder
25 Jun
Press Releases

2013-06-01, MILWAUKEE, WI — MILWAUKEE STUDENTS WORK WITH PROFESSIONAL COMPOSER GEOFFREY GORDON

On June 1, 2013 at the Marquette University Varsity Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Composers and Schools in Concert will present the world-premiere performance of a new piece created by composer Geoffrey Gordon for the Milwaukee High School of the Arts Chamber Orchestra and Concert Chorale under the direction of Pablo Amaya III and Raymond Roberts.

When: June 1, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Marquette University Varsity Theatre
1324 W, Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53201

“I believe that CSIC can make a huge impact in the lives of high school music students. These commissions are just one way that CSIC is working to make a difference,” said Katy Luo, CSIC’s Program Director. If schools are interested in learning more about our commission program or would like to sign up for one, the first step is to visit the CSIC website and submit a registration form.

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Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in 2011. Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school age students the opportunity to work with a professional composer. Through music collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of composition.

25 Jun
Press Releases

2013-05-23, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — A SEVEN-SCHOOL COMMISSION CONSORTIUM AND COMPOSER ALEX SHAPIRO

On May 23, 2013 at the San Juan Community Theatre in Friday Harbor, Washington Friday Harbor High School Concert Band under the direction of Matthew Frost will perform a new electroacoustic wind band piece,Tight Squeeze, by composer Alex Shapiro. The piece was part of Composers and Schools in Concerts’ (CSIC) Commissions in Concert series. CSIC and a consortium of seven schools from different cities throughout the United States commissioned the new piece.

When: May 23, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: San Juan Community Theatre
100 2nd St N
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

“We are very excited for the Friday Harbor performance. This is our first consortium commission. Without the immense cost usually associated with commissions, it has allowed many more students to have the unique experience of learning from a professional composer,” said Lisa Oman, Executive Director and Founder of CSIC.

For more information about CSIC’s Commissions in Concerts series, email Composers and Schools in Concert at info@composersandschools.com or call (916) 248-5541.

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Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in 2011. Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school age students the opportunity to work with a professional composer. Through music collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of composition.

25 Jun
Press Releases

2013-05-23, NOKESVILLE, VA — HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN FROM PROFESSIONAL COMPOSER RYAN KEEBAUGH

On May 23, 2013 at the Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Virginia, Composers and Schools in Concert will present the world-premiere performance of a new piece created by composer Ryan Keebaugh for the Kettle Run High School Wind Ensemble under the direction of Matt Yonkey.

When: May 23, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Kettle Run High School
7403 Academic Avenue
Nokesville, VA 20181

“I believe that CSIC can make a huge impact in the lives of high school music students. These commissions are just one way that CSIC is working to make a difference,” said Katy Luo, CSIC’s Program Director.If schools are interested in learning more about our commission program or would like to sign up for one, the first step is to visit the CSIC website and submit a registration form.

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Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in 2011. Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school age students the opportunity to work with a professional composer. Through music collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of composition.

25 Jun
Press Releases

2012-12-01, SAN RAFAEL, CA — COMPOSERS AND SCHOOLS IN CONCERT HOSTS BENEFIT CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPOSERS AND MUSIC EDUCATION

The nonprofit organization, Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) is hosting their first annual Holiday Benefit Concert on Saturday, December 1, 2012. CSIC invites everyone to come enjoy an eclectic program of music performed by celebrated CSIC board members, student composers, and special guests from the Bay Area music scene. CSIC invites Bay Area music teachers and professional composers to learn about their programs and to discover how composers and schools are working together in support of music education and the creation of new music.

“Our holiday concert represents what our nationwide programs strive to do, which is to have students and composers collaborating together” shared Lisa Oman, Founder. A festive evening is planned with celebrated composers — also representing Composers and Schools’ board members — performing alongside student composers.  Composer-Performers include Steve Horowitz, John Woodall, Katy Luo, Nick Benavides, and Victor Salvo and student composers include Anais Azul and Clark Nichols from John Adams Young Composers Program at The Crowden Music Center. Many special guest artists will also be joining the program including Theresa Wong, Kit Walker, Mariana Ingold, Danny Clay and the Friction Quartet.

All proceeds from the Holiday Benefit Concert will support CSIC’s music education programs. Composers and Schools in Concert is a nationwide nonprofit community arts provider that connects professional composers with youth music programs to promote awareness of contemporary music and to provide students with the opportunity to study the compositional practices of our time.  By bringing composers into the classroom, CSIC strives to deepen students’ overall relationship to the culture of music, introduce composition as a possible career and encourage students to create!

When: December 1, 2012
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Studio 55 Marin 1455 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, CA
Info: (916) 248-5541
Tickets are available online by donation only. 
Purchase tickets at www.composersandschools.com

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About Composers and Schools in Concert

Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in late 2010 to give high school music students the opportunity to work closely with professional composers.  Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school-age students with the experience of working with a professional composer. Through musical collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of a professional composer.

Lisa Oman
Founder, Lisa Oman
25 Jun
Press Releases

2012-09-26, SACRAMENTO, CA — COMPOSER WORKSHOPS AND HIGH SCHOOLS MUSIC PROGRAMS

The Composers and Schools in Concert new Composer Workshops are designed to provide high school aged students with the opportunity to study in a particular area of music composition. The goal of the program is to foster relationships between music teachers and composers and to bring more inspiring programming to students by providing them with the opportunity to engage in hands-on experience allowing them the chance to create a final product.

The Composer Workshops begin with recruiting composers to become teaching artists and having them not only design a workshop for a school but also administer that workshop. CSIC facilitates that process by asking composers to do what they do best—create. Composers are asked to design workshops in a wide variety of musical categories–everything from classical, to electronics/instrument building, to sound design for film, TV, games, and more. CSIC sets important guidelines to guarantee that the workshops will run successfully in a high school environment. Once a composer submits a workshop proposal and it is approved by CSIC, the workshop will be made available along with other proposals for schools to browse and select. When a workshop is selected CSIC will award the composer/teaching artist a grant to carry out the workshops.

“I believed at the time, and still believe, that CSIC can make a huge impact in the lives of high school music students. These workshops are just one way that CSIC is working to make a difference,” said Katy Luo, CSIC’s Composer Workshops Program Director.

If schools are interested in learning more about our Composer Workshops or would like to sign up for one, the first step is to visit the CSIC website and submit an inquiry. Teachers will be asked what types of workshops they are interested in, and with that information CSIC will find a matching workshop for each school. If composers are interested in creating a workshop, they can apply online.

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Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in late 2010 to give high school music students the opportunity to work closely with professional composers. Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school age students with the experience of working with a professional composer. Through musical collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of a professional composer.

25 Jun
Press Releases

2012-04-04, LOUISVILLE, KY — THE SOUNDS OF LOUISVILLE

Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) launched in late 2010 to give high school music students the opportunity to work closely with professional composers. Led by CSIC Director Lisa Oman, it is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing high school age students with the experience of working with a professional composer. Through musical collaborations, students are offered invaluable insight into the career of a professional composer.

On May 8, twenty-four Louisville high school students will join professional composer Wendell Yuponce for a production of Sounds of Louisville. Students from the J. Graham Brown School Band Program, (Louisville, KY), led by Band Director K. Michelle Lewis, will present original compositions. In 2011, the students took pictures of downtown Louisville, and since then, they have worked to underscore their images with a piece of music, under the direction of Lewis and insight from Yuponce. From January through April the students participated in eight online mentoring sessions with Yuponce, who helped the students further their musical ideas, and guided them toward the culmination of a suite of music called Sounds of Louisville.

CSIC Projects are engaging events, which benefit schools, students, and the public with music and dialogue centered on collaboration between composers and schools. Student ensembles are offered individual lessons and master classes, as well as a final performance open to the public.

The Sounds of Louisville will be performed in the Brown Auditorium at the J. Graham Brown School in Louisville on May 8, beginning at 6:00 PM.

For further information on how you can get involved in participating or supporting the CSIC programs please click here.

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25 Jun
Press Releases

2011-11-16, SACRAMENTO, CA — NEW NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RAISES MONEY FOR SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

On November 15, 2011, Lisa Oman, founder and executive director of Composers and Schools in Concert, (CSIC), fulfilled a personal and organizational goal when she presented a check to Josh Murray, Director of the Rio Americano High music program.

The money was half the ticket sale revenue from CSIC’s premiere event, Commissions in Concert 2011, which was held on October 27th and paired renowned composers with high school music ensembles for a single night of original music. Rio Americano High was one of two high schools on the bill for the world premiere event; the other half of the ticket revenue will go to Berkeley High, which shared the stage. The high schools achieved transformative musical collaborations with acclaimed composers and musicians Christopher Caliendo, Omar Thomas, and Steve Horowitz, and Fred Frith.

CSIC’s mission– to help revive gutted music programs and develop the next generation of American artists, by bringing acclaimed composers into schools for musical collaborations– will only be further accomplished through similar events throughout the country. “One of the primary reasons I launched Composers and Schools in Concert was because I was concerned about diminishing support for school music programs,” says Lisa Oman. She is thrilled to present checks to the Rio Americano and Berkeley High music programs, the direct result of their collaborations and subsequent concert with the composers. “What I want people to get from this is that it really works—composers and schools working together can make money. This event, the commissions, the great new music and the money it raised for these two high schools, is the proof,” says Oman.

Audio recordings of the world-premiere pieces, as well as a video recording of Commissions in Concert 2011, are available online at http://composersandschools.com. A live performance of the Steve Horowitz piece can be heard on December 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM PDT at Hertz Hall on the University of California, Berkeley campus performed by the Berkeley High Concert Orchestra.

Lisa Oman
Lisa Oman, Founder

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25 Jun
Press Releases

2011-09-29, DAVIS, CA — THREE RENOWNED COMPOSERS PAIRED WITH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC ENSEMBLES

September 29, 2011 Sacramento — New nonprofit organization Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) will make a compelling entry to the musical education scene with its first annual Commissions in Concert event, pairing renowned composers with high school music ensembles for a single night of original music.

Commissions in Concert 2011, to be held at the Veterans Memorial Theatre in Davis, California, on October 27th, at 6:30 p.m., will pair three world-class professional composers with two Northern California high school music programs comprising three musical ensembles. The result will be an unprecedented world premiere of newly-commissioned compositions, written expressly for and performed by student musicians. Composer Steve Horowitz, (Grammy award-winner; composed the film score for “Super Size Me”), the Vatican-commissioned composer Christopher Caliendo, (composed the film score for “The Iron Horse,” voted one of the top 10 film scores of 2007 by Film Score Monthly), and Berklee College of Music professor and award-winning composer Omar Thomas, will each premiere an original work. The talented musical ensembles of Sacramento’s Rio Americano High School and Berkeley High School will perform the new pieces. The well-known British composer, musician, and icon in avant-garde music, Fred Frith, will join Berkeley High in performance of Steve Horowitz’s composition. The Sacramento State University Jazz band will round out the bill, and a master class facilitated by the composers, open to the public, and free to students, will kick off the event.

“Our nonprofit is about a lot of things– reviving music education, providing funding for gutted school music programs, providing opportunities for composers, and the creation of new music,” says Lisa Oman, Founder and Executive Director of the organization. “But one of the main things we do is to connect professional composers with high school music programs. How it works is that the composer writes an original piece for the student ensemble, the students rehearse with the composer, and the students perform the world premiere at an event called Commissions in Concert—hence this year’s pilot event, Commissions in Concert 2011. All ticket sale revenue goes back to the school music programs. It’s an engaging, educational, fun and revenue-generating event for composers and schools.”

Commissions in Concert 2011 will serve as a model for similar collaborations and CSIC projects across the country. CSIC– as a community of professional composers, music educators, music organizations and school music programs who connect, collaborate and support music education and the creation of new music– offers networking tools, a membership program, and grant programs to support these projects.

Visit http://composersandschools.com for more information about Composers and Schools in Concert and Commissions in Concert 2011.

25 Jun
Press Releases

2011-08-25, COMPOSERS AND SCHOOLS IN CONCERT LAUNCHES; FOSTERS COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC ENSEMBLES AND RENOWNED COMPOSERS

Sacramento, CA ‐‐ New non‐profit organization Composers and Schools in Concert (CSIC) has a mission: Help revive gutted music programs and develop the next generation of American artists, by bringing acclaimed composers into schools for musical collaborations. “I launched Composers and Schools in Concert because I was concerned about diminishing support for school music programs, and I was likewise enthused by the idea of creating opportunities for composers of new American classical and jazz music,” says Lisa Oman, Founder and Executive Director of the organization. “I wanted to establish a way for composers and schools to easily connect with each other, and to support them with grants and revenue‐generating opportunities, and to foster collaborations between them.” To engender these collaborations, CSIC offers networking tools, a membership program, grant programs, and sponsorship of musical events at which high school ensembles premiere commissioned works by professional composers.

Composers and Schools in Concert has quickly garnered a following among denizens of professional and educational music circles, and the launch of the organization has been a labor of love for all involved. Steve Horowitz, the Grammy award‐winning San Francisco‐based composer, (his credits include the soundtrack for “Super Size Me,”), and one of the first professional composers to sign on, says, “I love CSIC, why? Because in these trying times, it is rare to find such a focused organization that is helping to improve music education in the U.S. with forward‐thinking and direct actions.” Horowitz continues, “In a world where all we hear about everyday is the shrinking economy, and state and federal cutbacks in education and the arts, it is no surprise that high school music programs all over the country have been downsized, or in many cases eliminated altogether. CSIC has figured out a way to help reverse this damaging trend and revitalize high school music programs.” CSIC has paired Horowitz with his alma mater, Berkeley High, and he is currently composing a piece for an ensemble of young performers from that school, to be joined onstage by the musician and avant‐garde performer Fred Frith, in the role of guest soloist.

Meanwhile, CSIC has paired Omar Thomas, the award‐winning Boston‐based composer, Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music, and leader of the Omar Thomas Big Band Ensemble, with Rio Americano High School of Carmichael, CA. Thomas is currently composing a piece for Rio Americano’s award‐winning Jazz Band. Christopher Caliendo, Vaticancommissioned composer of over five hundred classical and world music works, is simultaneously creating an original work for Rio Americano’s Concert Band. Josh Murray and Max Kiesner are the Band Directors at Rio Americano High, and they were among the first educators to get involved with CSIC. “I’m always looking for opportunities for my students to experience and perform new music in professional situations,” says Murray. “In addition, the concert will generate revenue for our program, which is a huge benefit as all music programs struggle to stay afloat financially. We are thrilled to be a part of this program.” CSIC is well on its way as a community of professional composers, music educators, music organizations, and school music programs who connect, collaborate and support music education and the creation of new music. Visit www.composersandschools.com to learn more about these collaborations, and for more information about Composers and Schools in Concert .

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