News

NDSU Composition Initiative Receives Foundation Grant Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2025

The North Dakota State University Composition Studio has received a $5,000 Centennial Endowment Fund grant from the NDSU Foundation in support of SCORE (Student Composer Opportunities with Resident Ensembles), a new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between student composers and performance ensembles within the Challey School of Music.

Developed by NDSU composition faculty member Kyle Vanderburg, SCORE will embed student composers within NDSU ensembles during the 2026–2027 academic year, creating opportunities for composers to collaborate directly with performers throughout the process of developing and rehearsing new musical works. Participating students will attend rehearsals, work closely with ensemble directors and performers, and compose original pieces tailored specifically to the participating ensembles.

Through a competitive application process, two to three student composers will be selected for the inaugural year of the program. Ensembles expressing interest in participation include NDSU Opera, University Band, Wind Symphony, and several chamber ensembles including brass, percussion, and trumpet ensembles.

Each residency will culminate in the public premiere of a new student composition during regular NDSU ensemble concerts in Spring 2027. Performances will also include opportunities for audiences to learn more about the creative process through composer introductions and pre-concert discussions.

In addition to supporting student creative work, the initiative aims to deepen collaboration across the Challey School of Music while expanding experiential learning opportunities for both composers and performers. The project also includes plans for a guest composer or clinician workshop to provide participating students with additional professional perspectives on composition and artistic collaboration.

The Centennial Endowment Fund was established by the NDSU Foundation Trustees to support projects aligned with key university priorities, including faculty development and cultural arts initiatives.

Additional information about SCORE can be found at NDSU Composition – SCORE Initiative