Student Projects
MUSC 299, Fall 2020
Project Presentations, Performances, and Exhibitions
The class to which this website is devoted, MUSC 299 “Music, Performance, and Community”, was created by Professor Shirish Korde as a portion of his Scholarship in Action grant, entitled “Composing Cultural Community.” The course was created with the goal of developing a pre-professional program for students interested in various careers in the arts and forming a connection with organizations in Worcester. As a result, we have formed a partnership in Music Worcester to create a performance series spanning the month of December 2020.
Each member of the class worked on a final project of either a musical concert, educational event in the arts, or visual art exhibit. From concept to final presentation, each student worked to plan each aspect of these events, and all have learned a lot along the way.
On December 9th, 2020, from 4:30-7:30 PM, our students held presentations on their projects over Zoom. The events and performances which they have worked on are available digitally for free here on this page. As a part of our partnership in Music Worcester we also raised money to sponsor an additional initiative: on January 29th, 2021, Music Worcester presented a live-streamed concert by acclaimed tenor Lawrence Brownlee entitled “Songs Of My Youth.” The proceeds of this concert were donated to the Worcester Juneteenth Festival and the new creation of a Major Taylor Museum, through the vessel of Music Worcester. As a result, all funds raised through our concert series enabled our class to sponsor this event, both giving the stage to someone with a story to tell and supporting the next year’s Juneteenth performances, furthering the growth of the vibrant Worcester arts community.
Final Projects!
Hannah Baker, ‘21
From Sound to Silence - Experiencing Meditation Through Music provides a unique opportunity for audience members to engage with music thoughtfully and intentionally as practices of mindfulness and meditation are brought into the performance space.
View program notes here!
Nathan D. Manna, ‘21
Nathan D. Manna presents lift off, a solo exhibit that explores the dichotomy of intimacy and loneliness through the lens of modern gay history. Utilizing collage Manna combines males bodies together into elaborate jig-saw-like compositions that envision a love free from hate and discrimination.
Link to Nathan’s work and artist statment: https://www.ndmanna.com/lift-off
Sadie O’Conor, ‘22
You Are Not Alone: Songs of Connection is an invitation to come together in music, even when we are apart. With songs from opera, rock, classical piano, musical theatre, and more, soprano Sadie O'Conor and pianist Kevin Chen welcome you to an uplifting evening of love, sorrow, hope, and joy.
See program notes here!
Sophia King, ‘23
Flower Symphony — I have created a soundscape of natural noises for meditative purposes. My goal is to help listeners create a separation from the artificial world of humans and focus on the natural world from which we come from. We often forget how important taking a physical and mental break is for our well being, so my project is meant to serve as a tool to do so.
Sean McNamara, ‘21
Sean McNamara ‘21 (with musical help from Cord Callahan ‘21, Sam McGrath ‘21, and Matt O’Keefe ‘21) performs a 1 hour collection of songs and essays about coming of age in a tumultuous period of history entitled American Boredom.
View program notes here!
Michelle Sacco, ‘21
Christmas in the Time of COVID-19 - Christmas is a time of hope and joy, and it is my hope that this recital will reflect this as well as create a sense of community to all, even though we might have to celebrate apart. This concert will feature organ works of Brahms, Bach, and Guilmant.
Look at program notes here!
Chris Hornbuckle, ‘21
Natura ex Machina - Coding Natural Observations through Music — A virtual electro-acoustic performance using self-designed laser instruments and real-time sound synthesis with MAX 8.
Matthew Bouvier, ‘21 & Meghan O’Keefe, ‘21
Protest Through Performance is a series of performances that highlight the power of music as a form of protest throughout history and today.
See program notes here!
Click here to view their project!
Kevin Chen, ‘21, Joe Cracolici, ‘23, Beth Griffin, ‘21, & Liz Mazzocco, ‘21
Music in Times of Crisis - Our concert in two parts will portray the chaotic and dissonant nature of crisis and the peaceful reflection of response to it.
The class to which this website is devoted, MUSC 299 “Music, Performance, and Community”, was created by Professor Shirish Korde as a portion of his Scholarship in Action grant, entitled “Composing Cultural Community.” The course was created with the goal of developing a pre-professional program for students interested in various careers in the arts and forming a connection with organizations in Worcester and, as a result, the class has formed a partnership in Music Worcester to create a performance series.