May 2020
Encoded Composition
In our Encoded Composition workshop, participants embarked on an explorative journey into the art of embedding secret messages within their music. Led by composers Douglas Buchanan, Christopher Mayo, and Alison Cox, along with renowned professionals including Mark Berger, Katherine Dowling, and Sam Solomon, attendees uncovered historical techniques of musical cryptology. Through hands-on engagement, they crafted compositions that cleverly concealed messages within the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, using instruments like viola, piano, and drum kit.
July 2020
Where the Wild Sounds Are!
Our workshop, Where the Wild Sounds Are!, challenged participants to venture beyond conventional sound boundaries. Under the guidance of Mark Berger, along with Michael Rickelton, Alison Cox, and Katherine Dowling, young composers explored extended techniques to produce unconventional sounds. This innovative session encouraged creativity and technical exploration, pushing participants to expand their auditory palettes and incorporate unique sound textures into their compositions.
August 2020
Sound2Idea
The Sound2Idea workshop, led by the composer and Guggenheim fellow Marti Epstein, introduced participants to the concept of developing compositions from a single sound or idea. Joined by Michael Rickelton (composer), Katherine Dowling (pianist), and William "Friendship" Lombardelli (bass trombonist and beat-boxer), the workshop provided insights into transforming abstract sounds into pieces of music.
August 2020
Where the Wild Sounds Are! - Go Compose AGAIN! Edition
Tailored for returning participants, the Go Compose AGAIN! edition of Where the Wild Sounds Are! offered an advanced exploration of sound creation, specifically for solo piano. Led by Mark Berger with pianist Katherine Dowling, attendees delved deeper into creating innovative sounds, focusing on advanced piano techniques and expanding their creative expression. Composers wrote for the inside of the piano as well as the regular keys making new sounds that can never be forgotten.
February 2021
Fanfares and Lullabies
Our Fanfares and Lullabies workshop, facilitated by Michael Rickelton (composer), brought together an ensemble of brass players including Jo Ann Lamolino (trumpet), Mary Jo Neher (french horn), and Will Lombardelli (bass trombone), as well as Chris Ciampoli (composer), to explore the contrasting styles of fanfares and lullabies. Participants composed pieces that captured the boldness of fanfares or the gentleness of lullabies, gaining insights into emotional expression in music and the technical aspects of writing for brass instruments.
March 2021
Once Upon a Time... - Go Compose AGAIN!
In the Once Upon a Time... workshop, returning alumni had the opportunity to delve into the intricate relationship between text and music. Under the guidance of Ryan MacEvoy McCullough (pianist and composer) and Lucy Fitz Gibbon(soprano), participants focused on setting text to music, exploring how word choice, phrasing, and vocal nuances influence musical composition.
April 2021
What are the Chances...
The What are the Chances... workshop introduced participants to the concept of aleatoric music, where randomness and performer choice play crucial roles in the composition process. Working with Saman Shahi, Michael Rickelton, Christopher Ciampoli, Kathleen Berger, and Will Lombardelli, the workshop explored the unpredictable nature of chance music and its potential to create unique, spontaneous compositions. We even ended up with a composition for Puppy and Violin!
May 2021
Color as Sound - Go Compose Again!
In the Color as Sound workshop, participants translated visual art into music, inspired by artists like Lois Mailou Jones and Mary Cassatt. Guided by Marti Epstein, this session employed the solo upright piano to interpret the colors and textures of the artwork into sound, offering a cross-sensory approach to composition that challenged participants to think creatively about the synthesis of visual and auditory art forms.
June 2021
Electric Guitar Workshop - Go Compose Again!
Our Electric Guitar Workshop explored the sonic possibilities of the electric guitar, focusing on the use of pedals to create innovative sounds. Led by Andrew Noseworthy (composer/guitar) and Saman Shahi (composer), participants learned about pedal configurations and their effects on the guitar's sound, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar music and exploring new compositional techniques.
