NORMAN — Inspired by the rhythmic talent of last year’s Norman High School percussion ensemble, Kyle Vanderburg, a University of Oklahoma composing graduate student, crafted the piece “Unknown Precipitation” for the group.
New to composing for percussion, Vanderburg spent time learning the group’s strongest assets, enhancing his composing skills in the process.
Vanderburg was given this opportunity by the Oklahoma Composers Association, a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting new music in Oklahoma. The 2009-2010 school year marked the first year for its Composers in Schools program.
This year the program returns and has expanded to include more schools. For the 2010-2011 school year, Oklahoma composers can prepare pieces for the Middle School Orchestra at Irving Middle School in Norman, the A capella SATB Chorus at Norman North High School, a percussion ensemble in Lawton, a percussion ensemble in Tulsa and two string quartets in Tulsa.
Interested composers have until Sept. 30 to apply for the program.
Applications and supplemental materials will be sent to the involved school sites the applicant expressed an interest in to be reviewed by the directors and students.
“The group and directors pick the composers they want to work with,” Marc Jensen, chair of the board of directors for OCA, said.
Composers will be notified in late fall, around the beginning of November.
If selected, composers will have a chance to visit with groups and hear them play so that a piece catered to the group can be prepared, Jensen said. Compositions will be performed by the groups in spring 2011.
Jensen said there are many beneficial aspects of the program.
For one, he’s hoping the Composers in School project will not only provide opportunities for composers, but also provide opportunities for people to be exposed to new music.
For more information on applying for the program, visit www.oklahomacomposers.org.
Aaron Wright Gray 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com
