Have you ever wanted to compose music? Do you compose music and want to learn how to make it better? Here's your chance . . .

Inter-district Music Composition Program 

A cooperative program with

• University of Hartford's Hartt School, departments of Composition and Theory as well as the Community Division
• The Connecticut Music Educator's Association, and the
• Connecticut Department of Education's Inter-district Cooperative Grant Program

Striving for academic achievement in a diverse society

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The Inter-district Music Composition program is an exciting new project sponsored by the Composition Department and Community Division in The Hartt School of the University of Hartford , the Connecticut Music Educator's Association and a Connecticut State Department of Education Inter-district Grant. The purpose of this program is to stimulate student interest and achievement in music composition and music technology in a diverse educational setting.

Connecticut has a long tradition of strong performing ensembles. Bands, orchestras and choruses have been the main focus of public and private music schools. However, this tradition has deprived some students of being able to develop other unique musical talents. Not all students are going to excel as performers; some will have greater (or equal) strengths as composers. These classes will allow students to develop such untapped talents.

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About the Program

As members of this program, students will work in small groups with a composer. They will learn compositional techniques used to create music and be able to express themselves using a wide variety of genres and styles of music. The goal will be to provide students with the skills to develop their own voice as composers, and small class size will allow students to spend a considerable amount of time on individual projects. No prior experience is required. Students should be able to read music, or should be willing to learn to do so.

The program will be under the artistic direction of Ken Steen who is an Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at the Hartt School. He is an active composer creating music in a variety genres and styles. He has been the recipient of a significant number of grants and commissions and his music has been performed internationally. Classes will be taught by Professor Steen and Jessica Rudman, teacher of the former Hartt Community Division High School Composition Class.

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Class Times & Dates

This program will consist of 22 classes that will meet over the course of the school year. They will be held at the University of Hartford campus beginning on October 23, 2007.

New this year: We are offering classes on Tuesdays at 3:45 - 4:45 pm, 5:15 - 6:15 pm, and 6:30 - 7:30 pm; Thursdays at 6:15 - 7:15 pm; and Sundays at 3 - 4 pm and 4:15 - 5:15 pm. Classes will be split into two levels based on compositional experience, though no experience is necessary for the first level.

In addition, to these classes, there will periodically be workshops with special guest artists. There will also be a special composition concert at the end of the year that will feature student work and celebrate the accomplishments of each student.

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Eligibility & How to Register

There is no cost for the program for students enrolled in grades 7 – 12 at a public, charter or magnet school. Private or home-schooled students will be a charged a tuition of $100 per year. All students will need to submit a recommendation from their music teacher and the enclosed form expressing a strong interest in learning how to compose. For admittance into the advanced level, students must also include a completed composition.

Enrollment is limited to 5 students per class , so early registration is encouraged. Registration materials must be received by Oct. 12, 2007 . Students will be contacted via phone by Friday, Oct. 19 to confirm enrollment and class time. Participants are suggested to bring the following materials to the first class: blank manuscript paper, a pencil, and any previous compositions.

Registration materials can be mailed to either of the addresses below. Questions about the class can be forwarded to Richard Wells, Director of Inter-district Programs, Simsbury Public Schools , rwells@simsbury,k12.ct.us, 860-658-0451, ext 662; or Ken Steen, Associate Professor of Composition, The Hartt School of the University of Hartford, steen@hartford.edu (860) 768-4122.

Click Here to download the Registration Materials!

Richard Wells
Simsbury Public schools
34 Farms Village Rd.
Simsbury, CT 06791

The Hartt School Community Division
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford , CT 06117

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