Doudna Fine Arts Center Hosts Composers' Forum, Showcasing Student Works

The Doudna Fine Arts Center became a platform for musical innovation on Thursday evening when it hosted the Composers' Forum at 7:30 p.m., a concert presenting the semester's hard work by composition students. Five young composers had the chance to bring their musical visions to life, with styles ranging across a wide musical spectrum. Their compositions were performed live by fellow students from the Eastern's music department, volunteering to be part of the creative showcase.

Dedicated Mentor Celebrates Students' Achievements

At the forefront of nurturing these emerging talents stands Brad Decker, a professor well-versed in music composition and technology. Decker, who helms the composition division and educates students on the craft of composing, expressed immense satisfaction with the outcomes of his students' projects throughout the term.

Multi-Dimensional Roles of Student Composers

The students endured a rigorous process leading up to the event. Their roles extended beyond mere composition; they were tasked with the coordination of performers, managing rehearsal schedules, and ensuring their pieces were well-rehearsed—often fitting practice sessions into night or weekend hours.

Spotlight on Innovative Student Compositions

Among the night's standout compositions was 'Behind the Glare of Neon,' an electronic odyssey created by Senior Sam Sennett. This three-part piece wove together atmospheric synthesizer sounds crafted in Ableton, a popular music production software, to narrate a story about a dystopian future city, all accompanied by a thematic video.

Jacob Ramage, another senior focusing on music composition, delighted the audience with his pair of pieces, 'Flame' and 'Home,' which were emotional interpretations of poems by Stacia Farris. His partner in art, musician Karrin Estes, lent her voice alongside him, while Jake Reeley accompanied them on the piano.

A Successful Showcase with Positive Reception

Ramage and his peers felt a great sense of accomplishment as their compositions resonated with the audience. Positive feedback and an impressive turnout of around 50 attendees substantiated the value and appeal of their musical endeavors. The event marked a significant milestone for these young composers, underscoring the importance of community support in the pursuit of their artistic journeys.

showcase, composition, performance