Community Outreach

ECCE offers a number of community outreach events, in which we emphasize the importance of artistic creation across cultures, and encourage young musicians to pursue their interests in contemporary art. Consider hosting one of our outreach events in your community today:

The ECCE Outreach Concert and Symposium:

In this two-hour event, a short performance by the ECCE ensemble is followed by an in-depth discussion with the audience. Topics vary depending on the background of the audience, but may include anything from a demonstration of the instruments of the ensemble to a discussion of the rehearsal process and the collaboration between composer and performer or an analysis of the work at hand. This event is intended for students and adults of all ages.

The ECCE Chamber Music Masterclass:

During these two-hour classes, ECCE's composers and performers coach student ensembles in the performance of contemporary and classical chamber music. The repertoire is chosen by the students, and an emphasis is placed on performance preparation and on developing a group rapport essential to true chamber music. Usually one or two ECCE members will coach a group. This event is perfect for college or conservatory undergraduates studying chamber music.

The ECCE Teaching Residency:

In this three-day event, ECCE's composers work with young musicians, programming a concert of original student work to be performed by ECCE's ensemble. If they are able, students are also encouraged to play in the concert. This residency is ideal for young performers and composers in high-school or college preparatory courses.

  • Day 1: ECCE's composers look at great works from both the common-practice era and contemporary literature. Then, using these works as models, students write short phrases and begin to assemble their own pieces.

  • Day 2: Working with ECCE's composers, students build on their short pieces, adding their earlier work to newly-written material. ECCE's performers play through student compositions and offer feedback, after which the students take time to further refine their work.

  • Day 3: Students' completed compositions are performed and recorded by the ECCE ensemble, after which students, composers and performers discuss the process of creation and the merits of the finished works.