Learn More About the Organ and Expand Your Portfolio
High school composers and pianists are invited to Discover the Organ, a fall program at Syracuse University that will introduce the instrument from the perspective of both performer and composer. This program includes three main events: an open workshop on Saturday, September 21, followed by a competition-based reading and a new music concert on Saturday, November 9.
The pipe organ is a fascinating instrument capable of an infinite variety of sounds and styles. Our goals with this program are two-fold: We aim to give composers the experience and tools to write new music for the organ, and we wish to encourage pianists to learn more about the instrument as a way to broaden their musical skill sets.
The open workshop will include demonstrations, improvisation, and time to sit directly at the instrument to explore on your own. Participants will work with Syracuse University faculty members Anne Laver (organ), Ivan Bosnar (organ), and Natalie Draper (composition). Participants will also have the opportunity to meet current Syracuse University students and faculty and take a campus tour.
The competition-based reading of new works for the organ will provide selected students with a professional recording of a reading of their music, performed by Syracuse University faculty and students.
The new music concert will feature Syracuse University faculty and students performing a range of repertoire, with an emphasis on works that include the organ.
All events are free, but registration is required. For more details on all events and how to get involved, please see the schedule and participation information below.
Discover the Organ — Schedule
Open Workshop
Saturday, September 21
Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College, Syracuse University
- Welcome and Organ Demonstration, 10-11 a.m.
Professors Laver and Draper will introduce the two pipe organs in Setnor Auditorium and demonstrate features and sounds that composers could explore. - Improvisation Workshop, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Professor Bosnar will lead participants in guided improvisations that are idiomatic to the instrument. - Lunch Reception and Open Time at the Instrument, 12-1 p.m.
- Optional Campus Tour for Interested Students, 1-2 p.m.
Competition-Based Reading of New Works and New Music Concert
Saturday, November 9
Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College, Syracuse University
- Reading of New Student Works for Organ, 1:30 p.m.
Setnor School of Music faculty and students will perform and provide feedback on selected student works. - Reception/Coffee Break, 3:30 p.m.
- Concert of New Music Featuring Setnor School of Music Faculty and Students, 4 p.m.
Interested? Here’s How to Participate:
- Register with this link by Monday, September 16, to secure your spot for the Saturday, September 21, workshop.
- Optional, but recommended for composers: Submit some initial sketches and ideas to Professor Draper () in advance of the workshop (no later than Monday, September 16).
- Required for composers who wish to be considered for the score-reading competition: Register for the September workshop and submit a finalized score of your new work for organ to Professor Draper () by Saturday, October 5. It is recommended that you bring initial sketches of this work to the workshop in September.
*** This project is made possible in part through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. ***