Welcome! I am so eager to begin exploring new musical horizons together.
uclaFLUX is devoted to performing contemporary classical chamber works of the 20th and 21st centuries. We explore and embrace new approaches and techniques associated with the myriad, dynamic, ever-evolving styles of contemporary composition. In preparing to perform and produce our quarterly concerts, students learn innovative modes of expression, interact directly with composers, research and write about their chosen works, and develop skills in multiple facets of concert production, promotion, and entrepreneurship.
This class aims to open minds, expand expressive capabilities, and embrace the abundance of musical languages that have proliferated in the past century.
Bring your inquisitiveness and sense of adventure. It will be rewarded.
Please note that in order to establish our ensemble groupings, it's essential that you join me on the first Friday of the quarter. Read on.
Week ONE Meeting: Intro, Audition (Mandatory)
ALL MUST be present on Day One to discuss and determine repertoire possibilities and *scheduling.
Groups and schedules are usually decided within the first hour of our meeting.
If you cannot be present, please provide your schedule to a student who will speak for you.
Acceptance in the class can unfortunately not be guaranteed without your presence promptly at noon.
I welcome all (reasonable) repertoire suggestions from you, especially if you have pre-formed a group that has committed to the piece.
Please bring your ideas to our first class meeting.
First-time FLUX students will be asked to audition and describe their experience with new music.
*I ask that you do your best to be available any time during our Friday 11-3 class time.
Once we determine repertoire, you will need to attend only your own ensemble coaching segment, though you are welcome to audit any others.
Resolving all repertoire choices and partners can sometimes take 1-2 weeks, so please be patient during the first weeks of uncertainty...
...then enjoy discovering new music together!
RECITAL DATES (please mark in your calendars)
Friday, December 6, 2024 (Week 10), 6pm, Lani Hall
Friday, March 14, 2025 (Week 10), 6pm, Schoenberg Hall
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (Week 9), 6pm, Schoenberg Hall
FLUX Culture
1. Each ensemble is assigned a portion of Friday class time for a coached rehearsal.
2. Be sure to provide a full score for your instructor.
3. Arrive at class having thoroughly prepared the target passages. Class time is not for sight-reading.
4. Rehearsals between class meetings are expected, and are organized by and amongst ensemble members.
5. We commit to attaining a deep understanding of our repertoire. Technical mastery is merely a starting point, and must be achieved individually as early in the Quarter as possible. Coachings are intended to address musical and interpretive issues.
6. Each ensemble collaborates to produce an insightful, informative, original Program Note, in excellent English, as well as a complete program listing for the Printed Program.
7. All FLUX members join at least one Production Task Team:
-Working with Design|Media Arts student on poster design
-Publicizing our concert via posters, e-mails, Facebook, etc.
-Stage-managing rehearsals and concerts
-Arranging for page turners
-Assembling a professional-quality Program for attendees
-Arranging audio, photography personnel
-Organizing our reception
-Updating our Blog archives
You will be asked to choose a Production Task Teams by Week 3.
GradingGrading is based on overall professionalism: attendance (30%), participation in Program Note writing and assigned Tasks (30%), preparedness in rehearsals and concert (30%), participation in Course Evaluation (10%).
Grading in a class like this is inherently more subjective than in others. A good grade is not an entitlement; you must earn it.
2. Check your email regularly for updates from me or ensemble partners, and respond promptly when asked.
3. Arrange more rehearsals between Friday coachings than may seem necessary. You can cancel later if things are going well.
4. Study the full score along with your own part. Write in cues that enable you to think, feel, and play as a unified ensemble.
5. Think of yourself as a team player, not a soloist.
7. Do some early research about the composer/piece you are working on. You will need it in order to write the Program Note.
8. Anticipate logistics for special lighting, electronics, video, etc.
9. Take your Production Tasks seriously.
10. Keep an open mind, respect the unfamiliar, embrace new musical languages, stretch your boundaries.
11. Respect FLUX as a self-run organization in which ALL must help each other - and aim to have fun while doing so.
