New Music Ensemble

 I was assigned to my role as director of New Music Ensemble in the Fall of 2020. My goal as director is threefold: teach the canon of contemporary and experimental classical music of the 20th century, champion the work of the living composers of the 21st century, and to perform the work of the members of the ensemble and the composers of the department.

I began my tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic and I had to think out-of-the-box to engage the ensemble virtually. I was so proud to lead one of the few ensembles in the department that continued to perform during the pandemic. During the first virtual semester we had three performances, more than any other group. One of the performances was a memorial concert for New Music Ensemble’s previous director, Alan Shockley. I played a huge role in organizing and facilitating the concert, working with other departments and performers outside of the ensemble.

I continued this energy post-pandemic. I opted to have two performances in our first semester back in person when I was only expected to have one. This concerts were multi-media events that featured electronics, projections, and staged lighting. 

Through my work during the pandemic, I have accepted that the visual component of concerts are very important to the overall impact of the show. I often add elements of visuals, and staging, making the ensemble interact with the music in interning ways that is not just sitting down and playing. I have an open approach to performing the “classics” of the genre. Taking new twists on popular works, making our concert experience stand out next to other performances.

Check out a playlist of New Music Ensemble’s most recent performances below!