Spring 2023 Cross CoPA Grad Making Labs

Meeting Dates: 01/27, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/10, 03/24, 04/07, 04/14 (Fridays)

Times: 12:00pm-2:30pm

Graduate CRN 13871

Course Description:

This course brings students into direct contact and creative work with leading NYC interdisciplinary theater company Ping Chong and Company, whose award-winning "Undesirable Elements" methodology is a means of creating interview-based theater works in and with specific communities, exploring culture and identity through community members’ personal narratives. Past UE works have engaged true stories of refugees, race in America, disability, gender identity, culture, religion, and place, amplifying these and other personal and political histories that often go unshared, or are historically mischaracterized or overgeneralized. Students will learn UE methods and documentary theater/devising techniques for facilitating dialogue and a creative process with community partners, and will consider how to apply these approaches to their own artistic, collaborative, and/or community work. Students will share some of their own personal histories, engaging with documentary theater methodologies as both collaborative creators and participants, in the development of a student-based documentary work in progress, to be shared at course’s conclusion. No performance or theater experience necessary; UE methodology is designed for use with non-performers, and creative risk is carefully scaffolded & supported. Course is enhanced by extension activities including attendance at a Ping Chong and Company performance, a devising master class with Artistic Director Ping Chong, and a conversation on creative entrepreneurship and sustaining artistic practice as emerging artists.

Meeting Dates: February 18, 19, & 21, 2023

Times: Feb 18: 10am-4pm, Feb 19: 10am-4pm, Feb 21: 6-10pm

Graduate CRN 13872

Course Description:

Passionate about social change as well as music? Integrating the two takes intention and creativity - and can yield a distinctive, rewarding life in both.

In this lab, you will connect the dots between deepening your musicianship, developing a standout career, and contributing to a better world. You'll learn about other musicians whose paths resonate with you, and delve into the practicalities of doing social change work in the context of your musical pursuits. At the end of the course, you will present your career “vision board,” as well as the immediate steps you can take to begin making it a reality.

Vienna Teng is a respected performing songwriter and composer who also works as a consultant on global climate action, renewable energy, and waste issues. Brandon Ridenour is a virtuoso trumpeter and arranger who weaves social consciousness into his work as a composer and educator. Together they will help you explore the myriad ways to integrate music with social change, from championing issues within the music profession to using music as a tool in social movements.

This lab is most relevant for students who intend to pursue careers in music performance, but no experience is required and all are welcome.

Meeting Dates: March 24-26

Times: Friday March 24: 12pm-4pm, Saturday March 25: 10am-6pm, Sunday March 26: 10am-4pm

Graduate CRN: 13873

Course Description:

Described as “exhilarating” (The New York Times) and “utterly mesmerizing” (The Guardian), GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion brings out the best in composers through their unwavering dedication to artistry in contemporary chamber music. Sandbox Percussion captivates audiences with performances that are both visually and aurally stunning, solidifying them as leaders in the fields of contemporary music and percussion. Brought together by their love of chamber music and the simple joy of playing together, Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosenbaum, and Terry Sweeney engage a wider audience for classical music through multidisciplinary collaborations with today’s leading artists.