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RSSNorthland College instructor receives grant to compose music
November 16, 2011
The American Composers Forum in St. Paul, Minn., recently awarded Joshua Clausen, Northland College Music Instructor, a $5,000 grant through the Jerome Fund for New Music. Clausen is one of four selected from a pool of 20 applicants for awards given to emerging Minnesota musicians or composers. The grant will allow Clausen to compose a new piece of music for piano and electronics in addition to funding performances featuring various pianists.
"I am honored by this award, and I'm grateful to the Jerome Foundation and American Composer's Forum for this opportunity," says Clausen.
Of the 67 total applicants, Clausen is among 12 individuals who were awarded funding through the American Composers Forum this year. The new composition will complete a three-piece set of works by Clausen for piano and electronics. Clausen's previous compositions from this set have been performed at such events as the International Computer Music Conference in Belfast, the Spark Festival of Electronic Music and Art in Minneapolis and the New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival. Performances of Clausen's piece are planned at similar events in the Twin Cities and at Northland College in 2012. Pianist Solange Guillaume will visit Northland College representing the Renegade Ensemble, a new Twin Cities-based music group.
"Solange is a good friend, a superb musician and an invaluable collaborator," says Clausen. "We've been working together on new music for several years and it's very exciting and gratifying to move forward with our work in this new capacity. I'm really looking forward to having her on the Northland campus."
Artist and philanthropist Jerome Hill created the Jerome Foundation, which offers grants through the Jerome Fund to nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Minnesota and New York City. The Jerome Fund supports composers and performers.
Founded in 1973, The American Composers Forum aids composers and musicians in achieving their potential through developing new markets for their music. In addition, the Forum offers opportunities for professional development to composers in all musical genres and links musicians to their local communities. People can learn more about the American Composers Forum by visiting their website at www.composersforum.org.
