
COMPOSERS PROJECT WITH MARK VANCE
"I wanted to thank you very much for the wonderful, enriching opportunities through Composers project and your dedication to their learning. It’s such an enriching experience for our son. I’m grateful!" - parent of young composer
We are proud to present our incredibly talented young composers in their final concert of the 2023 season. During the second semester, the students partnered with CATS, the Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra. They learned about CATS and what they do in our community. They used these experiences as inspiration for their compositions. These finished works will be performed by accomplished local professional musicians at Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley.
So, you want to be a composer...
Our fall 2022 Composers Project course is now underway!
This course includes:
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9-months of weekly individual instruction with composer & instructor Mark Vance
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9-months of bi-weekly classes with peers in the course
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meeting with and learning from accomplished musicians, composers, and community leaders
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complimentary admission for the student and one adult to InConcert Sierra's main series concerts
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semester culminations of two compositions performed in concert by professional musicians
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compositions recorded for future use (scholarship and college applications, etc.)
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and more!
2023 Poetry in Song Concert
This course is designed for students 12 to 21 years of age.
During this 9-month program, students:
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Learn about and enjoy hands-on experience with…composing your own works, music theory, notation, melodic and rhythmic dictation, harmony, counterpoint, text setting, conducting, music history, writing for instrument families, public speaking, and writing a resume
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Learn to use and work with: “Finale” notation software
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Work with and meet: visiting musicians and established composers/arrangers
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Depending on COVID-19 situation – attend and evaluate professional concerts of the following presenters: InConcert Sierra, Nevada County Composers Cooperative, and other rehearsals and/or performances.
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Cooperate in an inter-disciplinary partnership:
Explore collaboration in the community with a local non-profit organization. Students draw compositional inspiration from this experience. Non-profit yet to be determined.

This is a course you will want to include on your college and scholarship applications and on job resumes. In addition, you will meet some influential people who may be instrumental in your pursuit of your musical goals, while attending concerts that you may otherwise never hear. An experience of a lifetime!

Expectations include:
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Completion of required homework assignments and attendance on field trips (as available)
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Two completed compositions to be performed by professional musicians:
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voice and an instrument of your choice
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instrumental solo or ensemble
Schedule:
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Twice a month classes
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Weekly private composition lessons – individually scheduled
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Composers Project concerts
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Concert rehearsal dates
First time students will be contacted to schedule a placement interview.
Spring 2022 Composers Project Final Concert
Questions? Please contact Mark Vance, InConcert Sierra Education Director at (530) 273-3990
or email Mark at Mark@InConcertSierra.org.