I: Concept

A Musical Arts/Performance Festival of everything that is current and exciting today: Compositions of living composers which can include any or all of the following:

multimedia, improvisation, experimentation, jazz, film music, recent compositions, concert music/art music.

The music can be inspired from the classical tradition, pop, jazz, rock, or any fusions thereof. Any and all instrumental and vocal combinations are encouraged.

Please no compositions from composers of teaching material etc. (like method books or pseudo-classical type pieces from method books etc.) Otherwise, as long as the composer, arranger or group is living today or has been alive or active within the last 20 years or so, it should fit the concept of this festival. Students can also perform their own pieces: (solo & ensemble), pieces by their friends or pieces by present day musicians or musical groups. Have an open mind –the sky is the limit and it is time to play with sound and possibilities!

II: Possibilities

Perhaps your student has an idea of combining his instrument or instruments with a multi-media presentation or various forms of multi-track recording. Some interesting examples of such a concept from the group: “Pomplamoose”

https://www.youtube.com/user/PomplamooseMusic

*This group records a video of each member in the group doing their portion of the performance and then fuses them together in a video with split screens. Your student might also wish to do a ‘cover’ of another groups’ music. A transcription of a well-known work of a traditional classical composer is permitted ONLY if it forms the basis or inspiration for an original work. If your student composes his own piece(s) of music, and there is a written score, perhaps have your student make it available for the audience on the performance date. (or a portion thereof.) That is a nice added idea and it gives your student something fun and rewarding to work towards.

III: Fusion/Interdisciplinary Ideas

The fusion/“interdisciplinary” movement of different art forms is also a nice idea: Dance + music, music + visual art works, theatre + music, poetry + music, or rap as a musical form, hip-hop etc. Really anything is possible as long as it can be performed, for example,  in the space at Roth Hall at the Crossroads School. N.B. Any questions about acceptable performances or compositions can be directed to Neil Galanter: ngalanter@gmail.com or at 213-804-1009. 

TIME LIMIT:  10-12 minutes per teacher studio

Dr. Neil Harris Galanter, chairman Professor of Music – National University Annual Living Composers Festival 2024 MTAC-WLA Branch