eNews: Internetzo – March 2025
Message from Seth Brenzel,
Executive Director
Dear Walden friends,
Spring is here, and Walden’s 2025 summer season is just around the corner!
Applications for Walden 2025’s programs are still open, and our spring application deadline is this Tuesday, April 1. Both the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) will be held on the beautiful Dublin School campus in Dublin, New Hampshire. Walden is also hiring for several summer positions at YMP—read on for more details, and please help us spread the word!
Over a weekend in early February, we launched the Memphis Composers Institute, an exciting new workshop and performance opportunity for emerging composers, in collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the University of Memphis. Congratulations to Walden alumnus and faculty member D. J. Sparr, who led the initiative, and to all the composers and participants on a successful collaboration! You can read D. J.’s reflections and see photos from the weekend here.
Earlier this month, Walden held a wonderful celebration and fundraiser in Baltimore featuring the incomparable jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, a Walden alumnus. And more celebrations are scheduled for New York City on April 27, featuring pianist Mikael Darmanie, and Washington, DC, on May 18. I hope you can join us!
I hope you are enjoying a beautiful spring. Summer is coming!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
415-587-8157
Apply for Walden 2025
The spring application deadline is April 1.
The spring deadline to apply to Walden’s Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is Tuesday, April 1. We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers.
Walden’s 2025 programs:
- Creative Musicians Retreat: June 14 - June 22, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for musicians ages 18-98)
- Young Musicians Program: June 28 - August 3, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for pre-college musicians, ages 9-18)
Application materials for both programs are available on our website.
Write to us at applicants@waldenschool.org with any questions.
Highlights from the 2025 Memphis Composers Institue
The Memphis Composers Institute, a new collaboration between the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, The Walden School, and the University of Memphis, came to fruition over the weekend of February 7–9 in Memphis, Tennessee. Following an open call for scores, works by three selected composers— Evan Erickson, Sina Karachiani, and Soomin Kim—were given premiere performances by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kyle Dickson, Madeleine Luce Moore Assistant Conductor Chair of the Memphis Symphony. The weekend also featured open rehearsals and panel discussions led by Walden faculty, and all events took place on the campus of the University of Memphis.
Walden alumnus and faculty member D. J. Sparr, who served as artistic coordinator for the initiative, composed a new viola concerto for the occasion, which was performed by his wife, viola virtuoso Kimberly Sparr, Associate Professor of Viola at Louisiana State University. Walden is proud to have offered this opportunity for emerging composers and thankful to D. J. for leading the project with enthusiasm and flair.
Visit our website to read D. J.’s reflections on the experience of launching the Memphis Composers Institute and to see photos from the weekend. Thank you to everyone who participated in this exciting collaboration!
Click to read more
Upcoming Fundraising Events
A Walden Celebration and Fundraiser in New York City
Sunday, April 27
3 to 5 pm
Join Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumni, families, faculty, staff, artists, and friends, for an afternoon of music and refreshments to celebrate Walden and support its 2025 summer programs.
Guests will enjoy a performance by pianist Mikael Darmanie, a dynamic cross-genre performer and past visiting artist at Walden.
This afternoon of music, community, and refreshments will be held near Union Square in Manhattan. For more information or to RSVP, email us or call (415) 587-8157.
A Walden Celebration and Fundraiser in Washington, DC
Sunday, May 18
3 to 5 pm
Please save the date for a Walden celebration and fundraiser to be held at a historic residence in downtown Washington, DC. For more information or to RSVP, email us or call (415) 587-8157.
Event Recap
A Walden celebration and fundraiser in Baltimore
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a Walden celebration and fundraiser in Baltimore, on Saturday, March 8! We are so grateful to our host committee and all of our donors, who contributed more than $7,800 to Walden.
We enjoyed a magical performance by the acclaimed jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, a Walden alumnus and Baltimore native. He began by telling the audience, “the sounds you are about to hear are designed for your ears, and your ears only.” Each Cyrus Chestnut performance is a unique experience, combining jazz standards, hymns, and improvisatory flights that only he could create. In between selections, Cyrus talked about his experience as a student at Walden, learning musicianship and engaging in “harmony wars” with a fellow student.
We are so grateful to Cyrus for his performance and all he has done to enrich the Walden community and the musical world.
Support Walden Today
We are also grateful for the passion and support of Walden’s Board of Directors, and especially Walden’s board chair Peter Colohan, who spoke movingly about Walden’s vision of “a world in which people engage with one another creatively, collaboratively, and with respect.”
Thank you to everyone who was part of our Baltimore celebration, and thank you to all of our donors for your invaluable support of Walden!
Thank you to our host committee: JoAnn Balingit, Seth Brenzel, Peter Colohan, Sky Macklay and Sam Pluta, Caroline Mallonee, Steve Messner and Liz Prelinger, Noah Mlotek, D. J. Sparr, and Kate Valenta
Support Walden Today
Walden is Hiring
Join our summer team.
Walden is hiring for 2025 summer positions at our Young Musicians Program (YMP) in Dublin, New Hampshire. We are seeking new teammates to join our creative community, and we hope that you might help spread the word about these opportunities to your friends and colleagues.
The positions currently open are:
2025 YMP Camp Nurse
2025 YMP Staff Member/Staff Lifeguard
Please contact us with any questions and inquiries. All positions are open until filled.
Community News
Brian Claeys wins Emmy Award
InterNetzo readers may recall that Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumnus Brian Claeys (pictured third from right) was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on Disney+. We can now congratulate Brian and his team on receiving the Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Live Action Program! Brian was recognized alongside composer Bear McCreary and the team at Sparks & Shadows, McCreary’s music production and record label, at the third annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Percy Jackson has another incredible connection to Walden: the character of Zeus was played by the late Lance Reddick, an esteemed Walden alumnus and faculty member, in his last screen appearance, and Brian wrote a special musical theme for his portrayal. Congratulations, Brian!
Stacy Garrop and Melody Eötvös recognized by the League of American Orchestras
The League of American Orchestras recognized two Walden alumnae through the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program, designed to increase the representation of women and nonbinary composers on the stages of American orchestras. Stacy Garrop, a YMP alumna, has received a commission for a 25- to 30-minute concert work, to be premiered by a leading orchestra with additional performances by two orchestras in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. The organization also selected Garrop and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) alumna Melody Eötvös for a new repeat performance initiative, which will feature performances of existing works from 2025 to 2027: Eötvös’s Red Dirt | Silver Rain and Garrop’s Goddess Triptych. Congratulations, Stacy and Melody!
Drew Kravin composition to be performed in April
CMR alumnus Drew Kravin will have his piece Redwood Tree performed by Berkeley-based choral group Pacific Edge Voices at their spring concert. Redwood Tree was written for and premiered at CMR in 2022 and was also performed by the Washington Master Chorale, directed by past CMR choral director and Walden Teacher Training Institute (TTI) alumnus Thomas Colohan. The performance is on April 4 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakland. More information about the concert can be found here.
Katherine Balch wins Royal Philharmonic Society Award
Katherine Balch
, a former YMP faculty member, has won a prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Award in the large-scale composition category for her work whisper concerto. Written for cellist Zlatomir Fung, the piece is named after the “agitato” whisper cadenza of György Ligeti’s cello concerto, and it was crafted to “provoke intimacy” between the cello and the orchestra, without compromising the integrity of the instrument’s low register. The concerto was premiered in 2023 by Fung and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gemma New, and Katherine was presented with the RPS award on March 6 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Congratulations, Katie!
John O’Meara celebrated as Citizen of the Year
John O’Meara, an emeritus member of Walden’s Board of Directors, was honored as Citizen of the Year in his hometown of Moorestown, New Jersey. The award, bestowed by the Moorestown Service Clubs Council, recognizes John’s long history of volunteer service, including through leadership roles with the Rotary Youth Exchange, Burlington County United Way, Moorestown Improvement Association, and Moorestown Free Library Association. John’s partner in life and volunteer work is Mary Anne Polk O’Meara, a past Walden board member and an alumna of the Junior Conservatory Camp, Walden’s predecessor program. John celebrated the award alongside friends and community members at a dinner on February 5. Congratulations, John!
Graham Lazorchak featured on Cleveland Chamber Symphony concert
A new orchestral work, Book of Spells, by YMP alumnus Graham Lazorchak was selected for performance by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony on its Young and Emerging Composers Concert on March 8 at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. Graham attended YMP for four summers and currently works as a computer science researcher at Oberlin College studying the symbiotic relationship between music and technology. In attendance at the concert were Cara Haxo (a YMP alumna, faculty member, and academic dean) and her husband Brian Fancher, a YMP faculty member.
George Brandon honored with artist fellowship
CMR alumnus George Brandon has received a $13,000 Individual Artist Fellowship for musical composition from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the MidAtlantic Arts Consortium. The fellowships are awarded to practicing New Jersey artists through an anonymous, competitive application process to help them pursue their artistic goals. Brandon is a scholar, composer, and integrative sound and music practitioner who has lectured and performed internationally. He founded and leads the Blue Unity Orchestra, an ensemble whose programs include gospel music, Yoruba chant, blues, jazz standards, Afro-Pop, and more.
Leah Reid presents sound art and painting show in Dublin
YMP alumna Leah Reid was featured in the January Art Show of the Dublin Community Center in a collaboration with her mother Chris Reid, an artist known for her plein-air landscapes and still life paintings. Leah is a composer, educator, and 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship winner whose work ranges from opera and chamber music to electroacoustic music and interactive sound installations, and she merged her talents in sound art with her mother’s paintings to present a stunning visual and sonic experience in the center’s South Room for the month of January. Check out this reel to see some photos of the display!
Ariel Kent gets married!
YMP alumna Ariel Kent was married to Amir Jaberi this month in San Francisco. Ariel is a practicing physician in obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, where she was born and raised. Congratulations, Ariel and Amir!
Shawn Crouch celebrates 10 years of Ensemble Ibis
Shawn Crouch is a comp
oser, choral director, and professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where he is artistic director of Ensemble Ibis, a new music performance group. Shawn is a YMP and TTI alumnus and a former faculty member at YMP and CMR. To celebrate 10 years of Ensemble Ibis, he is sharing highlights from the group’s performances online, including a recent performance of Sparkle by Chen Yi, a former composer-in-residence at Walden and a member of Walden’s Advisory Council, who served as Frost’s Distinguished Visiting Composer in Residence in 2024. Last year, Shawn led Ensemble Ibis in the premiere of his opera Stained Glass, about Mamah Borthwick, the romantic and intellectual partner of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Dennis Sullivan releases video album
Percussionist, composer, and electronic musician Dennis Sullivan II has released the first installment of a three-part video album entitled 33rd Blight. Part 3: Rot on his YouTube Channel. Dennis is a member of The Walden School Players and a past faculty member at YMP. He will be returning to Walden this summer as part of the Players’ two-week residency at YMP, where they work closely with student composers during Festival Week. Dennis describes his performance on the album as “the product of a practice [that] sits somewhere between premeditated composition and improvised real time composition while merging acoustic percussion and tactile electronic systems.”
Idan Rabinovici releases album
YMP alumnus Idan Rabinovici, who performs as RABINO, has released a new album entitled Promise of Summer. His brother Roy Rabinovici, also a YMP alum, contributed to the album on saxophone and keys. Idan and Roy have also performed and recorded together as members of the band Acollective.
We Want To Hear From You!
If you have a recent or upcoming premiere or concert, publication, award, new job, or a celebratory life event, please share your news, which needn’t be music-related (although we love your music-related news to be sure!). Email your news to alumni@waldenschool.org.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
Students at Walden's Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Highlights from the 2025 Memphis Composers Institute
Highlights from the 2025 Memphis Composers Institute
The Memphis Composers Institute, a new collaboration between the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, The Walden School, and the University of Memphis, came to fruition over the weekend of February 7–9 in Memphis, Tennessee. Following an open call for scores, works by three selected composers—Evan Erickson, Sina Karachiani, and Soomin Kim—were given premiere performances by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kyle Dickson, Madeleine Luce Moore Assistant Conductor Chair of the Memphis Symphony. The weekend also featured open rehearsals and panel discussions led by Walden faculty.
Walden alumnus and faculty member D. J. Sparr, who served as artistic coordinator for the initiative, composed a new viola concerto for the occasion, which was performed by his wife, viola virtuoso Kimberly Sparr, Associate Professor of Viola at Louisiana State University. Walden is proud to have offered this opportunity for emerging composers and thankful to D. J. for leading the project with enthusiasm and flair. Below, D. J. shares personal reflections on the experience of launching the Memphis Composers Institute.
Reflections from D. J. Sparr, Artistic Coordinator
How it all began
“737 comin’ out of the sky, Oh, won’t you take me down to Memphis on a midnight ride?” — from “Travelin’ Band” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
These lyrics capture how I felt when I received an invitation to perform with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO). Conductor Robert Moody called me in September 2023 to support injured guitarist Vasti Jackson, who was scheduled to perform the world premiere of Chris Brubeck’s Confluence: Double Concerto for Classical Guitar, Blues Guitar & Orchestra the very next week! As it turned out, we performed the piece together—Vasti delivered his amazing blues solos, I covered key sections, and Thomas Flippin played classical guitar.
This performance, following my March visit to play my electric guitar concerto Violet Bond, created real momentum with the MSO. After the concert, I went out for barbecue with Peter Abell, the orchestra’s executive director, to discuss working together again. I wanted to write a new work for the orchestra, and I had another idea: what if we mentored emerging composers and put on a concert of entirely new music? That meal planted the seed for what would become the Memphis Composers Institute.
When considering how to launch a program for emerging composers, I immediately thought of The Walden School. This project aligned with Walden’s mission of inspiring artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs, and its values of mentorship, teamwork, and collaboration. I called Seth Brenzel, Walden’s executive director, about involving Walden. Seth immediately embraced the idea, diving into his famously energized brainstorming, imagining all the ways this alliance could benefit Walden alumni, faculty, staff, and emerging composers alike.
I played matchmaker in a subsequent Zoom meeting, connecting Seth and Peter, who hit it off famously. Peter suggested partnering with the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, and soon composition professor Mahir Cetiz joined with tremendous enthusiasm.
Roles were quickly established: the University would provide the venue, the Symphony the musicians, and Walden would conduct the composer search. It was agreed that we would select one Walden alumnus, one University of Memphis alumnus, and one “at-large” composer through an international search. A committee was assembled, including Caroline Mallonee, Sky Macklay, and Michael Kropf from The Walden School; Mahir Cetiz and Kamran Ince from the University of Memphis; and Assistant Conductor Kyle Dickson and composer/ French Hornist Robert Patterson from the MSO.
In addition to the selected works, I would compose a new viola concerto for Kimberly, a renowned violist.
The selection process and preparation
Our call went out on July 18, 2024—with no age limit, application fee, or attendance cost—and it drew over 100 applications. Together with Walden’s invaluable director of operations, Sammi Stone, we carefully coordinated and reviewed each application to ensure compliance with our guidelines. The response was strong, with submissions reflecting a talented pool of composers.
Our selection process was thorough and deliberate, considering the artistic merit and programmatic fit of each piece. Ultimately, the winners chosen were Soomin Kim (star / ghost / mouth / sea), Evan Erickson (Oobleck), and Walden Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) alumnus Sina Karachiani (Stranger of Kin). Additionally, two composers were honored with compelling works receiving honorable mentions: Walden Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumnus Liam Cummins (Joyas Voladoras) and Kian Ravaei (Majnun in the Wilderness).
The following months focused on the mentorship aspect of the Memphis Composers Institute, which was particularly exciting for me. I reviewed all scores and parts before sending them to the MSO. Ensuring that the selected composers had professional-quality scores and parts was imperative. One especially rewarding experience was a Zoom session with Sina, during which we addressed complex string divisi sections of his work. His dedication paid off—the orchestra had no questions during rehearsal.
All scores and parts, along with my new viola concerto, now titled Extended Play, were printed, delivered, and distributed to the musicians in January 2025. I want thank the amazing team at the MSO, especially librarian Mitchell Walker, who was a joy to work with.
The weekend arrives
Thursday, February 6, 2025, finally arrived. Violist Kimberly Sparr, my son Harris, and I drove up from Baton Rouge. Sadly, Evan Erickson was unable to join us in person due to personal circumstances. However, he was warmly represented by his peers—Sky and I even ran into Evan’s friends at Belltower Coffee making posters in his honor.
On Friday, several of us attended an MSO performance at a local public school, as part of the orchestra’s Orff Side-by-Side program. In partnership with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, this program brings the MSO to elementary schools for a public side-by-side concert featuring all students on percussion or in chorus, using the Orff method. This event was crucial to our weekend, embodying Walden’s core values of education, community engagement, and group singing!
Friday evening kicked off with a warm reception, followed by the first rehearsal, the thrilling moment when we finally heard our compositions performed by the MSO. It was a significant learning experience for all involved, including me, as we saw our work transition from page to stage, identifying what worked beautifully and what required minor adjustments. Sina and Soomin interacted seamlessly with Maestro Dickson and the orchestra. Kimberly Sparr crushed it on Extended Play. The evening concluded with an informal gathering at the hotel, thoughtfully organized by Seth, fostering a friendly atmosphere filled with camaraderie reminiscent of classic Walden evenings.
Saturday morning offered a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. Many opted to visit the National Civil Rights Museum—a profoundly moving experience that connected our weekend’s artistic journey to Memphis’s rich historical roots. Harris and Kimberly visited the fantastic Memphis Children’s Museum.
The afternoon began with a luncheon hosted by Walden, which allowed participants to connect with musicians from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and committee members. Following lunch, engaging panel discussions commenced:
Panel 1: Bringing New Music to Life, moderated by Caroline Mallonee, Director of Walden’s Creative Musicians Retreat, featured conductor Kyle Dickson along with composers Sina Karachiani, Soomin Kim, and myself. Caroline skillfully guided the conversation, allowing us to discuss our compositions and respond to audience questions.
Panel 2: Orchestras and New Music: What’s Next?, moderated by me, featured Mahir Cetiz, Kamran Ince, Caroline Mallonee, Sky Macklay, and Robert Patterson. This panel focused on the role of being teachers and mentors to emerging composers.
Following the panels, we headed downtown to one of Memphis’s renowned restaurants, which was fitting, as the entire project had begun over barbecue!
Saturday’s rehearsal had a bit more “edge” than the previous evening. Kyle dove deeply into details, meticulously preparing the orchestra for Sunday’s performance. Evan passed insightful notes from the previous night’s perusal recording to Mahir, who relayed them to Kyle. Sina eloquently described a specific whistle-tone flute technique to the principal flutist, who mastered it immediately. Soomin explained to violinists how an extended passage in solo strings drew inspiration from Korean folk songs of her youth. Kimberly and Kyle worked on navigating the virtuosic cadenzas of Extended Play.
A concert on Super Bowl Sunday? The Memphis Composers Institute made it happen—four works by living composers, performed at 2 pm at the University of Memphis. The program began beautifully with Soomin’s star / ghost / mouth / sea, described by a committee member as “immediately engaging,” and indeed it was hauntingly beautiful. Sina’s Stranger of Kin followed, with the orchestra elegantly capturing its intricate layers of memory. A panelist had aptly called it a “unique, beautiful musical representation of memory.” Evan’s Oobleck effectively captured a gooey, non-solid substance through creative microtonal techniques, executed impressively by the MSO. And, not to toot my own horn, but Kimberly Sparr, Kyle Dickson, and the MSO delivered an outstanding world premiere performance of Extended Play. Each composer introduced their piece. Evan sent a touching message to both the orchestra and his University of Memphis friends in attendance. Seeing Evan’s friends holding posters full of love and support they made at the coffee shop was deeply moving; I had to pause and dry my eyes before speaking. The Memphis Composers Institute brought people together in a truly meaningful and memorable way.
Following the concert, we engaged in a Q&A session, with the composers, Kimberly and Kyle, taking questions from the audience. The atmosphere was rewarding and uplifting, and many audience members stayed for this to connect further.
Eventually, we all parted ways to attend Super Bowl gatherings, catch flights home, or visit friends in the Memphis area.
I can’t say enough about this experience. Let’s (barbe)cue the reprise!
Walden Holiday Parties Recap
2025 Walden Holiday Parties
Throughout January, Walden community members gathered for holiday/new year parties in cities around the country, and online!
Walden holiday parties were held in Baltimore, San Francisco, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Bainbridge Island (Washington), and New York City. Alumni of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program, also gathered for a holiday reunion over Zoom.
These events brought together Walden and JCC alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and board members for festive potluck gatherings. Delicious food and drinks were shared, music was played, new friendships and connections were made, and much merriment was had. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteer hosts: Sky Macklay and Sam Pluta in Baltimore, Ruth Rainero and Pieter de Haan in San Francisco, Josh Goodman and Anna Lumelsky in Cambridge, Danielle Schindler Cheung and Jason Cheung in Bainbridge Island, and Michael Schessel in New York City.
Thank you to all who gathered to celebrate the new year with Walden community!
This recap was originally published as part of the February 2025 InterNetzo.
eNews: Internetzo – February 2025
Message from Seth Brenzel, Executive Director
Dear Walden friends,
I hope you are finding warmth amid the cold of winter. My heart is warmed by all the ways Walden community members are coming together to celebrate, make music, and prepare for another incredible summer of creativity in Dublin, New Hampshire.
I am currently on my way to Memphis for a weekend of activities at the Memphis Composers Institute, a new collaborative project between The Walden School, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Memphis. Read on for more information about this groundbreaking initiative, and if you’re in the area, please join us for the weekend’s open rehearsals, panel discussions, and four exciting world premieres on Sunday, February 9
Other upcoming Walden events include a fundraiser and celebration in Baltimore on Saturday, March 8, featuring the incomparable jazz pianist, Walden alumnus, and Baltimore native Cyrus Chestnut. You won’t want to miss his performance! And please save the date for a fundraiser and celebration in New York City on Sunday, April 27.
Applications for Walden 2025’s programs are still open, and our spring application deadline is April 1. Both the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) will be held on the beautiful Dublin School campus in Dublin, New Hampshire. Walden is also hiring for several summer positions at YMP—read on for more details, and please help us spread the word!
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at a Walden event or program soon!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
415-587-8157
Memphis Composers Institue
A new collaborative project will present four orchestral premieres.
The 2025 Memphis Composers Institute, a collaborative initiative between the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO), The Walden School, and the University of Memphis, will take place Friday through Sunday, February 7 through 9. This groundbreaking program celebrates emerging talent, offering mentorship and performance opportunities to composers selected through an international call for scores. The weekend will feature open rehearsals, panel discussions, and a reception, culminating in the world premiere of four new orchestral works on Sunday, February 9, at 2 pm Eastern at Harris Hall, University of Memphis.
The concert will showcase works by composers Evan Erickson, Sina Karachiani, and Soomin Kim, chosen from over 100 global submissions. Acclaimed violist Kimberly Sparr will perform a new viola concerto by D. J. Sparr, commissioned by the MSO and conducted by Kyle Dickson.
Visit this page for more information about this exciting project, including a schedule of activities, bios of featured artists, and a link to purchase tickets.
Upcoming Fundraising Events
Baltimore
Saturday, March 8
6 to 8 pm
Please join The Walden School’s Board of Directors, along with Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumni, families, faculty, staff, artists, and friends, for an evening of music and refreshments to celebrate Walden and support its 2025 summer programs.
Acclaimed jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, himself a Walden alumnus, will perform.
“What makes Chestnut the best jazz pianist of his generation is a willingness to abandon notes and play space. ” —Time
This reception and concert will celebrate Walden’s mission of inspiring artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs. Contributions to Walden’s Annual Fund will underwrite critical student scholarships and inspiring artist residences at Walden’s 2025 summer programs. For more information or to RSVP, email us or call (415) 587-8157.
New York City
Sunday, April 27
3 to 5 pm
Please save the date for a Walden celebration and fundraiser in New York City. This afternoon of music, community, and refreshments will be held near Union Square in Manhattan. For more information or to RSVP, email us or call (415) 587-8157.
Apply for Walden 2025
The spring application deadline is April 1.
The spring deadline to apply to Walden’s Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers
Walden’s 2025 programs:
- Creative Musicians Retreat: June 14 – June 22, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for musicians ages 18-98)
- Young Musicians Program: June 28 – August 3, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for pre-college musicians, ages 9-18)
Application materials for both programs are available on our website.
Write to us at applicants@waldenschool.org
Walden Holiday Parties
Throughout January, Walden community members gathered for holiday/new year parties in cities around the country, and online!
Walden holiday parties were held in Baltimore, San Francisco, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Bainbridge Island (Washington), and New York City. Alumni of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program, also gathered for a holiday reunion over Zoom.
These events brought together Walden and JCC alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and board members for festive potluck gatherings. Delicious food and drinks were shared, music was played, new friendships and connections were made, and much merriment was had. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteer hosts: Sky Macklay and Sam Pluta in Baltimore, Ruth Rainero and Pieter de Haan in San Francisco, Josh Goodman and Anna Lumelsky in Cambridge, Danielle Schindler Cheung and Jason Cheung in Bainbridge Island, and Michael Schessel in New York City.
Thank you to all who gathered to celebrate the new year with Walden community!
Give the Gift of Walden
Bring some summer magic to the holiday season and support Walden School programs and initiatives with your order of Walden merchandise!
We have Walden beach towels (new!), blankets (new!), hoodies, shirts, baseball caps, canvas totes, stickers, mugs, pens, pencils, and more.
See what’s available and fill out an order form here.
Orders can be placed by check or money order, or via credit card/PayPal. Please contact Mindy Williams, Walden’s Administrative Manager, or call the Walden office at (415) 587-8157 if you have any questions.
Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about the music camp that changes lives.
Join us to learn more about the music camp that changes lives.Do you know a student who writes songs or arranges music? Or a young improviser who wants to strengthen their musicianship and meet like-minded peers? Or a music teacher who might like to learn about Walden’s unique curriculum?
Join us at one of our online interactive information sessio
All YMP Info Sessions are held on Zoom. Learn more and register for one of the info sessions below:
These events are open to prospective students, music teachers, and anyone else who would like to learn about Walden’s flagship program for musicians ages 9 to 18.
Walden is Hiring!
Join our summer team.
Walden is hiring for 2025 summer positions at our Young Musicians Program (YMP) in Dublin, New Hampshire. We are seeking new teammates to join our creative community, and we hope that you might help spread the word about these opportunities to your friends and colleagues. 
The positions currently open are:
2025 YMP Camp Nurse
2025 YMP Staff Member / Staff Lifeguard
2025 YMP Faculty Member
Please contact us with any questions and inquiries. All positions are open until filled.
Competitions and Calls for Scores
Featured opportunities with upcoming deadlines
Walden encourages the sharing of opportunities and resources for composers, including competitions and calls for scores that may be of interest to our community. We maintain a searchable list of competitions, awards, and calls for scores on our website. Opportunities are often posted in Walden’s community Facebook group as well.
Below is one featured opportunity with an upcoming deadline:
MacDowell is an artist residency program located in Peterborough, New Hampshire, near Walden’s summer home in Dublin, New Hampshire. A MacDowell Fellowship consists of exclusive use of a studio (with baby grand piano for composers), accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for two to six weeks. Applications are invited from artists of all backgrounds and all countries in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts.
Over the years, many Walden alumni, faculty, and artists have participated in residencies at MacDowell, including Sam Pluta, Sky Macklay, Caroline Mallonee, Aurora Nealand, Dave Eggar, Leah Reid, Jon Yu, Eve Beglarian, and numerous others!
Apply by February 10.
Community News
Marilyn Crispell receives NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship
Marilyn Crispell, a Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumna and past Walden visiting artist, has received the 2025 Jazz Masters Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a prestigious award that recognizes her status as a “living legend” for her exceptional contributions to jazz. The National Endowment for the Arts describes her as “one of the most original and sought-after avant-garde jazz pianists and composers,” both for her prolific recording history and her extensive touring and performance experience. Marilyn has previously been granted a composition commission from the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust and a Guggenheim Fellowship for music composition. Marilyn will be honored alongside three other Jazz Masters on Saturday, April 26, in a free concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Walden representation at the New York Choral Consortium
Walden board member Kate Valenta recently attended a New York Choral Consortium event, where members read through pieces by six featured composers, all of whom were present to discuss and conduct their work. While discussing in small groups, Kate learned that two of the six composers had attended Walden’s Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) in 2017: Jamie Klenetsky Fay and Laura Jobin-Acosta. We love hearing about Walden and JCC connections being made around the world!
Brian Claeys receives Emmy nomination
Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumnus Brian Claeys has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on Disney+. The show picked up a record-breaking 16 nominations, including Brian’s for “Music Direction and Composition for a Live Action Program,” alongside composer Bear McCreary and the team at Sparks & Shadows, McCreary’s music production and record label. The show has another incredible connection to Walden: the character of Zeus was played by the late Lance Reddick, an esteemed Walden alumnus and faculty member, in his last screen appearance, and Brian wrote a special musical theme for his portrayal. Brian has also contributed music to Outlander, The Walking Dead, See, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and The Serpent Queen, as well as assisting McCreary on multiple projects including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and God of War: Ragnarok. Congratulations, Brian!
Peter Thompson appointed Interim Rector at St. Bart’s
The Reverend Peter Thompson, a YMP alumnus, has been appointed Interim Rector at Saint Bartholomew’s Church in the City of New York. Peter was appointed Vicar at St. Bart’s in July 2021 after serving as Associate Rector for Formation and Liturgy since 2019. The letter announcing his appointment describes Peter as “a gifted speaker, teacher, and preacher” and “a strong and collegial leader” in his parish. Peter served as Assistant Rector of St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk, Connecticut, before joining St. Bart’s, and continues his passion for music as a singer in the Young New Yorkers’ Chorus.
Matthew Hunter retires from Berlin Philharmonic
Matthew Hunter, a JCC alumnus, parent to a Walden alum, and past Walden visiting artist, is retiring from the Berlin Philharmonic after a 30-year career with the renowned orchestra. A violinist turned violist at the age of 27, Hunter fell in love with the “dark chocolate” tone of the instrument and shortly thereafter won the Gee International Viola Competition. After winning a seat in the Berlin Philharmonic, he also became known to audiences as a guitar player during performances of Mahler’s 7th Symphony, adding yet another classical string instrument to his skill set. In a farewell interview with the Philharmonic, he mused, “becoming an artist is one of humankind’s greatest challenges. At the same time, it is one of the greatest privileges—can you imagine being able to devote your energy in pursuit of a sound-world ideal? From a philosophical perspective, a life dedicated to art music connects us to the eternal, to the essence behind representation.” The full interview can be found here.
Lila Meretzky releases album 
YMP faculty member Lila Meretzky is releasing her first album, Bone Dice, featuring music for percussion performed by Sandbox Percussion among other artists. On January 31, there was a release show at the Sandbox Studio in Brooklyn featuring selections from the album. You can also watch a live performance of Bone Dice by Sandbox Percussion here.
Alicia Jo Rabins releases live concert album 
Composer and performer Alicia Jo Rabins, a YMP alumna, has released a live concert album of her project I Was a Desert: Songs of the Matriarchs. The evening-length show for choir, string trio, rock trio, and Alicia herself is based on Alicia’s Girls in Trouble song cycle. The work was commissioned with the 135-person Camas High School Choir, and it is now available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Youtube. In addition, there is a mini documentary about the process of making the project, which she has worked on for the past two years. Congratulations, Alicia!
Chad Hoeppner publishes book on public speaking
Chad Hoeppner, parent of a YMP student and husband of Hilary Kole (a YMP alumna and faculty member), has published a new book titled Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. The book includes a comprehensive guide to public speaking and communication, with video resources of confidence-boosting exercises available online. Chad is a renowned public speaking expert, having coached presidential candidates and Fortune 500 CEOs. He condensed his knowledge from his communication coaching firm, GK Training, into the book.
Pre-release of FATHM by Laura Cocks
Laura Cocks, a member of The Walden School Players and a frequent visiting artist at Walden, has pre-released her second solo album, FATHM, on Out of Your Head Records and Relative Pitch Records. The full album will be out on February 21, with a release show at City University London. The album is being released digitally and on CD and LP, including 50 of each with hand-embellished covers.
Text scores by Caroline Mallonee featured in Pauline Oliveros tribute 
Two pieces by Caroline Mallonee (YMP alumna, Walden faculty, and director of Walden’s Creative Musicians Retreat) have been included in a new book called A Year of Deep Listening. What began as an online project by the Center for Deep Listening to celebrate the legacy of Pauline Oliveros on what would have been her 90th birthday is now a beautifully bound book of 365 text scores with essays to contextualize them. It is a tribute to her and her work, and it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in music made in this way. Carrie, along with the rest of the summer community,had the great pleasure of meeting and learning from Pauline when she was in residence at Walden in 2002.
We Want To Hear From You!
If you have a recent or upcoming premiere or concert, publication, award, new job, or a celebratory life event, please share your news, which needn’t be music-related (although we love your music-related news to be sure!). Email your news to alumni@waldenschool.org.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
A dance during the 2019 Young Musicians Program
eNews: Internetzo – December 2024
Message from Seth Brenzel, Executive Director
Dear Walden friends,
Happy Holidays! I hope your season is bright with things that bring you joy—music, food, family, friends, or perhaps some much-needed downtime. We’re very excited to continue the holiday season into January with Walden holiday parties in six cities around the country, as well as a virtual gathering for alumni and families of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program. Please read on to find details about these wonderful events, and to RSVP!
Applications for Walden 2025’s programs are open! Our next application deadline is February 3, and there are several Young Musicians Program (YMP) information sessions coming up. Both YMP and our Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) will be held on the beautiful Dublin School campus in Dublin, New Hampshire. If you know a creative musician, ages 9 to 99, or if you yourself might want to apply to be part of Walden Summer 2025, I hope you will pass along information about Walden and request an application.
We are so grateful to the many donors who have already given generously to support our 2025 summer programs through contributions to Walden’s 2025 Annual Fund. During our 2025 fiscal year (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025), we seek to raise $415,000 in support of critical scholarships, inspiring artist residencies, and all our program expenses. If you’ve already made a gift toward Walden’s upcoming 2025 season, thank you! If not, I hope you’ll consider supporting Walden today with a year-end contribution. I wish you a very Happy New Year, and I hope to see you at a Walden event soon!
I wish you a very Happy New Year, and I hope to see you at a Walden event soon!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
415-587-8157
Walden Holiday Parties
Warm up with Walden holiday parties! Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) community members will be gathering for holiday potlucks—and online!—in cities throughout the country in January. You are warmly invited to join us in the following cities:
Sunday, January 5, 3 to 5 pm
Sunday, January 12, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Saturday, January 18, 3 to 5 pm
Saturday, January 25, 3 to 5 pm
Seattle Area (Bainbridge Island)
Saturday, January 25, 3 to 5 pm
Sunday, January 26, 4 to 6 pm
These events are open to Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumni, faculty, staff, artists, donors, and board members, as well as friends and family. Please save the date and help us spread the word!
These are a potluck-style events held at private homes. When you RSVP, please let us know what you would like to bring, and we will send you the address.
RSVP to events@waldenschool.org or call (415) 587-8157.
It’s not too late to volunteer to host a party in your area! Please email us if interested. We are so grateful to this season’s hosts and the many volunteers who have hosted Walden holiday parties over the years.
Attention JCC community: Join us for a JCC Holiday Party on Zoom!
7 pm Eastern / 6 pm Central / 5 pm Mountain / 4 pm Pacific
Walden is excited to offer a holiday Zoom gathering for alumni and families of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program.
Bundle up in your favorite cozy scarf, pour yourself a cup of holiday cheer, and join fellow JCC alumni for a festive gathering over Zoom!
RSVP to events@waldenschool.org or call (415) 587-8157.
Apply for Walden 2025
The winter application deadline is Monday, February 3.
The winter-round deadline to apply to Walden’s Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is Monday, February 3, 2025. We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers
Walden’s 2025 programs:
- Creative Musicians Retreat: June 14 – June 22, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for musicians ages 18-98)
- Young Musicians Program: June 28 – August 3, 2025, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for pre-college musicians, ages 9-18)
Application materials for both programs are available on our website.
Write to us at applicants@waldenschool.org
Year-End Giving
We’re counting on your support!
Thank you to the many generous donors who have made year-end gifts to Walden! Your contributions will help us offer life-changing musical experiences next summer to 100 students across our two programs, including critical student scholarships and inspiring artist residencies.
It’s not too late to make a contribution during 2024! Make a donation online, or see below for more ways to give. Gifts postmarked on or before December 31, or online gifts made before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, can be counted toward the 2024 tax year.
Give the Gift of Walden
Bring some summer magic to the holiday season and support Walden School programs and initiatives with your order of Walden merchandise!
Enjoy 20% off of all Walden merchandise orders, now through January 5.
We have Walden beach towels (new!), blankets (new!), hoodies, shirts, baseball caps, canvas totes, stickers, mugs, pens, pencils, and more.
See what’s available and fill out an order form here.
Orders can be placed by check or money order, or via credit card/PayPal. Please contact Mindy Williams, Walden’s Administrative Manager, or call the Walden office at (415) 587-8157 if you have any questions.
Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about the music camp that changes lives.
Do you know a student who writes songs or arranges music? Or a young improviser who wants to strengthen their musicianship and meet like-minded peers? Or a music teacher who might like to learn about Walden’s unique curriculum?
Join us at one of our online interactive information sessio
All YMP Info Sessions are held on Zoom. Learn more and register for one of the info sessions below:
These events are open to prospective students, music teachers, and anyone else who would like to learn about Walden’s flagship program for musicians ages 9 to 18.
Community News
Leo Liebeskind appears on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumnus Leo Liebeskind, who performs as Leo Lovechild, was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on a segment titled “Battle of the Instant Songwriters.” Leo and his competitor Meredith Lampe were each given an hour to come up with a song to match a made-up song title and perform it on the show. Leo’s song, Babysitting the Rizzler (world premiere), featured hilarious lyrics like “Told him to be in bed by nine / but now he’s live with the Costco Guys,” accompanied by acoustic guitar. Follow this link to watch the full clip, and more of Leo’s music can be found on his Bandcamp.
Osnat Netzer and Stacy Garrop programmed on “Concert for Peace”
The 26th Annual Concert for Peace, programmed by Chicago-based new music organization Fulcrum Point on the topic of Lamentations on the Disaster of War, featured two Walden composers, Stacy Garrop (left) and Osnat Netzer (right). Garrop is a YMP alumna and former YMP faculty member. Netzer is an alumna of Walden’s Teacher Training Institute (TTI), and she has taught at both YMP and the Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR). Netzer’s piece They bury their dead with great ululations and Garrop’s piece Lo Yisa Goy were performed on December 17 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Both works deal with themes of conflict, grief, and peace.
Katherine Balch and Lei Liang win Fromm Commissions
The Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard University announced twelve winners of its commissioning prize on December 18, including two composers from the Walden community. Former YMP faculty member Katherine Balch (left) and past CMR and YMP composer-in-residence Lei Liang (right) both received commissions as part of the foundation’s mission to bring contemporary concert music closer to the public. They join the ranks of many Walden-affiliated composers who have received this prestigious commission. Congratulations, Katie and Lei!
Freya Waley-Cohen featured on Visionary Sounds
In our November edition of InterNetzo, we highlighted an upcoming performance of YMP alumna Freya Waley-Cohen’s song cycle Spell Book by the St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra. The performance, part of the Orchestra’s Visionary Sounds series, took place on December 4 at the DiMenna Center in New York City, and Walden Board member Kate Valenta was in attendance. Many thanks to Kate and her husband Alex Johnston, Director of the DiMenna Center, for sharing this photo of Freya speaking to the audience about her work. A recording of Waley-Cohen’s song cycle, set to poems by Rebecca Tamás, was released on NMC Records in October. Photo credit: The DiMenna Center.
Aurora Nealand tours multiple countries as musical ambassador
Aurora Nealand, a former YMP faculty member and a perennial visiting artist at Walden, was selected along with her Inquiry Quartet as a touring artist by American Music Abroad. She was in Lesotho this month and will tour Kuwait and Algeria in January. Aurora Nealand’s Inquiry Quartet performs new music in the New Orleans jazz tradition. American Music Abroad (AMA) is a program sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Each year, approximately 10 ensembles of American music in different genres are selected from among hundreds of applicants to represent the U.S. through a multi-country tour, with a focus on reaching audiences with little or no access to American music.
Sky Macklay profiled in Peabody Magazine
Sky Macklay, a CMR and TTI alumna and former YMP faculty member, was recently featured in Peabody Magazine, a publication of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where she is an assistant professor of composition. The article, titled “A Composer Drawn to ‘Spicy Sounds’,” detailed how Sky’s longtime interest in multimedia has manifested in an acoustic sound installation called Harmonitrees, featuring inflatable harmonica-playing clear vinyl sculptures, which has traveled to Florida, Maryland, and Poland. Her work has been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Fromm Foundation at Harvard University, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, among others. She’s also received several awards and prestigious honors, including fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris. Photo by Larry Canner for Peabody Magazine.
Ruth Franklin’s New Book Available for Preorder
YMP alumna and former board member Ruth Franklin has authored a new book, The Many Lives of Anne Frank, which will be released in January. The book is structured around the myriad identities of Anne Frank as a person, witness, author, and symbol following her death, from her agency as an artist and writer to the diverse applications of her legacy. More information about the book’s conception and background can be found in Ruth’s essay on Substack. The Many Lives of Anne Frank is now available for preorder here. Ruth Franklin is a book critic and former editor at The New Republic. Her first biography, Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life (2016), won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography.
We Want To Hear From You!
If you have a recent or upcoming premiere or concert, publication, award, new job, or a celebratory life event, please share your news, which needn’t be music-related (although we love your music-related news to be sure!). Email your news to alumni@waldenschool.org.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
A dance during the 2019 Young Musicians Program
The Walden School/PRISM Quartet Student Commissioning Award
A Walden School/PRISM Quartet Premiere
Congratulations to Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumnus Aaron Nichols, recipient of The Walden School/PRISM Quartet Student Commissioning Award, on the premiere of his commissioned work, Mesovortex!
Aaron’s piece was performed by PRISM Quartet in Philadelphia on November 17 and New York City on November 18. Walden hosted receptions after each concert, and we were so glad to see several Walden alumni and friends in attendance! Many thanks to Walden faculty member, academic dean, and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) alumnus Nate Trier for organizing the receptions. Thanks also to Walden board member Kate Valenta and to Mary Anne O’Meara, a past board member and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumna, for their assistance.
Walden is proud to partner with PRISM Quartet on this opportunity to support young composers in their creative development. We are especially grateful to Matthew Levy, founding member of PRISM Quartet and a former member of Walden’s Board of Directors, for his longstanding collaboration and leadership. The Walden School/PRISM Quartet Student Commissioning Award was launched in 2000, and since then 22 Young Musicians Program (YMP) students have received the award and had their compositions premiered on PRISM’s concert series.
This post was originally published as part of the November 2024 InterNetzo.
eNews: InterNetzo – June 2024
Message from Seth Brenzel, Executive Director
Walden begins today!
Summer is here, bringing with it another summer of transformative music programs at The Walden School. Today, June 15, our 2024 Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) begins, and our Young Musicians Program (YMP) starts on June 29. I can’t wait to experience the energy, diversity, and creativity that our more than 100 participants will bring to Walden this year.
In this edition of InterNetzo, we are excited to share the incredible lineup of faculty and staff who will bring our Summer 2024 programs to life. We also share a recap of the festive Walden celebration and fundraiser that was held on May 5 in Washington, DC, raising more than $11,000 in support of critical scholarships and world-class artist residences at Walden’s programs this summer.
Please read on for more news and updates from the Walden community. And stay tuned for more updates throughout the summer as our programs and Concert Series get underway. I hope our paths cross soon!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
415-587-8157
This Weekend at Walden
At Dublin School,
Dublin, New Hampshire (and online!)
All events are free and open to the public.
Join us for the opening concert of Walden’s 2024 Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR), featuring artists-in-residence David Friend (piano) and members of International Contemporary Ensemble: Colleen Bernstein (percussion), Isabel Lepanto Gleicher (flutes), Nicolee Kuester (horn), Dan Lippel (guitars), Josh Modney (violin), and Damian Norfleet (voice). The concert will feature music by current Walden faculty members and by CMR Composer-in-Residence Oscar Bettison.
Sunday, June 16, 7:30 pm Eastern
Composer-in-Residence Presentation
With CMR Composer-in-Residence Oscar Bettison
Note: This event will not be livestreamed.
Oscar Bettison’s music lives, thrillingly, on a razor’s edge between unpredictability and a groove wrought of full-bodied play. Born on the United Kingdom’s Channel Islands to Spanish and British parents, Bettison was fascinated from an early age by the interplay between the “weird, hazy, tenuous aural image” in his imagination and the wild effort to wrestle it onto the page. After studying in Amsterdam with Louis Andriessen and Martijn Padding, he learned to embrace this creative discomfort, crashing through challenges with fantastic, imaginative twists. As Bettison has said: “It’s not that refinement is a bad thing. But there are times when it can get in the way.” Join us for a presentation by Mr. Bettison of some of his work.
Fundraising Event
Event recap: A Walden Celebration and Fundraiser in Washington, DC
Thank you to all who joined us for The Walden School’s celebration and fundraiser in Washington, DC, on Sunday, May 5!
It was a wonderful afternoon of food, drink, conversation, and music held in the beautiful and historic DACOR Bacon House, just steps from the White House. The Claremont Trio (violinist Emily Bruskin, cellist Julia Bruskin, and pianist Sophiko Simsive) wowed with their engaging performances of works by Fanny Mendelssohn, Kati Agócs (a 2022 Composer-in-Residence at Walden), and Johannes Brahms. In between pieces, Julia Bruskin shared reflections from her many visits to Walden’s Young Musicians Program, saying, “There’s no place like Walden.”
We are so grateful to our host committee and all of our event donors for your generosity. With your help, we raised $11,480! Thank you! Your support brings Walden 2024 that much closer.
If you would like to show your support to Walden, contributions are warmly appreciated at any time. You are welcome to donate online or send a check to The Walden School at 7 Joost Avenue, Suite 204, San Francisco, CA 94131.
Summer 2024 Faculty and Staff
Each summer, Walden assembles a stellar team of faculty and staff to mentor and inspire our participants and provide them with unparalleled musical experiences. Our philosophy is that by participating together in all levels of community life, faculty, staff, visiting artists, and students can create an environment where close relationships develop and creativity flourishes.
Walden’s 2024 faculty and staff team is a wonderful mix of returning team members, team
members returning in new roles, and several new staff and faculty members. Walden’s faculty are a diverse group of improvisers, composers, conductors, performers, and music scholars, all of whom are committed to the creation and dissemination of new music and to developing the next generation’s composers, performers and arts advocates.
Visit our website to learn more about the faculty and staff at Walden’s Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR).
YMP Faculty and Staff
David Carlton Adams, Faculty
Zaki Andoh, Staff
William Bolles-Beaven, Faculty
Seth Brenzel, Executive Director & YMP Program Director
Kittie Cooper, Faculty, Academic Dean, & Director of Composers Forums
Shannon Dunning, Staff
Jeff Dutter, Staff
Kari Francis, Faculty & Choral Director
Aidan Gold, Faculty
Cara Haxo, Faculty & Academic Dean
Francesca Hellerman, Faculty & Assistant Director of Composers Forums
Gree Jordan, Nurse
Ross Karre, Technical Director
Hilary Kole, Faculty
Loretta Notareschi, Teaching Mentor
Carlos Henrique Pereira, Faculty
Dahlia Riddington, Staff
Marco Roberts, Staff
Luke Schroeder, Assistant Director of Operations & Faculty
Sammi Jo Stone, Director of Operations & Faculty
Theo Trevisan, Faculty
Nate Trier, Faculty
Samantha Wolf, Faculty
Paul Zito, Staff
CMR Faculty and Staff
Seth Brenzel, Executive Director
Alex Christie, Faculty & Director of Electronic Music
Cara Haxo, Faculty
Francesca Hellerman, Staff
Caroline Mallonee, Faculty & CMR Program Director
Ted Moore, Technical Director
Loretta Notareschi, Faculty
Sam Pluta, Faculty
Dahlia Riddington, Staff
Sarah Riskind, Choral Director
Luke Schroeder, Staff
J. Sparr, Faculty
Sammi Jo Stone, Director of Operations
Call for Memories and Photos
Attention alumni! We are renewing a call for treasured memories and photos from your time at Walden or the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), to be included in a 50th/70th-Anniversary memory book.
Please aim to keep your reflections to a maximum of 250 words.
Alumni are also invited to share up to five treasured photos with the community to be included in the memory book.
Please send your memories and photos to us at alumni@waldenschool.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Community News
Denise Ondishko’s Moments in Nature featured on new recording
A three-movement composition by Denise Ondishko, Moments in Nature for saxophone and digital audio, is featured on Inflorescence, a new album by saxophonist Kyle Horch. In these pieces, Ondishko is heard reciting a poem along with digital audio that she designed and created in her home studio, and a live saxophone recorded for the album. Ondishko is a Young Musicians Program (YMP) alumna and a former Walden staff member, faculty member, and Board member. She was featured in a previous edition of InterNetzo, where she shared that her work with Horch was instrumental in keeping her involved in composition.
Modney releases Ascending Primes
Composer-violinist Josh Modney, who performs and records as Modney, released a new double-album of solo and ensemble works on Pyroclastic Records, Ascending Primes. The album builds on Modney’s interests in tuning systems and exploring “extremes of harmonicity and dissonance.” The works are performed by prime-numbered ensembles featuring several Walden-affiliated artists: Erica Dicker (violin), Marina Kifferstein(violin), Mariel Roberts (cello), and Sam Pluta (electronics). Modney is a frequent Walden visiting artist who will return to both the Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) and the Young Musicians Program (YMP) in Summer 2024.
Nnenna Ogwo’s Juneteenth Festival returns
This June, Juneteenth LP (Juneteenth Legacy Project), founded by Nnenna Ogwo, will present a series of musical events celebrating Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America. The Juneteenth Festival will culminate in Ogwo’s annual Juneteenth celebration at Joe’s Pub on June 19, featuring music by Black composers across genres. Ogwo’s Juneteenth LP was honored this year with a special grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music (a Walden School supporter), in honor of the Fund’s 30th anniversary. Ogwo is both a YMP and CMR alumna, as well as a past board member, faculty member, and visiting artist. A complete lineup of the Juneteenth Festival can be found here.
Alex Christie earns PhD
Composer, electronic musician, and intermedia artist Alex Christie, a YMP alumnus and veteran Walden faculty member who will return to teach at CMR this summer, earned his PhD from the Department of Music at the University of Virginia on May 18. His dissertation is titled “Light, Sound, Systems, Deer: Nonhuman Agency and Intermedia Practice,” and it represents the culmination of many years of Christie’s artistic practice and scholarship. Congratulations, Alex!
We Want To Hear From You!
If you have a recent or upcoming premiere or concert, publication, award, new job, or a celebratory life event, please share your news, which needn’t be music-related (although we love your music-related news to be sure!). Email your news to alumni@waldenschool.org.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
A dance during the 2019 Young Musicians Program
eNews: InterNetzo – December 2023
Message from Seth Brenzel, Executive Director
Season’s greetings!
I hope you enjoy this edition of InterNetzo, filled with both seasonal and evergreen Walden goodies.
We are very excited to be hosting Walden holiday parties (New Year’s parties?!) in January. Please read on to find details about these wonderful events, and to RSVP!
We are so grateful to the many donors who have already given generously to support Walden’s 2024 summer programs through contributions to Walden’s 2024 Annual Fund. Will you support Walden today with a year-end contribution?
Applications for Walden 2024 are open, and so far this year, we have received a record number of applications for both of our programs! Our next application deadline is February 1, and there are several Young Musicians Program (YMP) information sessions coming up. Please spread the word, and I hope to see you (or your family member, friend, teacher, student, colleague, neighbor, etc.) in Dublin in June!
This edition of InterNetzo also features a profile of Tessie McGough and Solon Snider Sway, two YMP alumni who recently joined Walden’s Board of Directors, along with a roundup of competitions and calls for scores, and some exciting community news.
I wish you a very Happy New Year, and I hope to see you at a Walden event soon!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
415-587-8157
Walden Holiday Parties
Warm up with Walden holiday parties!
Walden community members will be gathering for holiday potlucks in cities throughout the country in January. So far, we have three confirmed dates:
- New York City: Friday, January 5, from 6 to 8 pm
- Portland, Oregon: Saturday, January 6, from 3 to 5 pm
- Seattle: Sunday, January 7, from 3 to 5 pm
These events are open to Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumni, faculty, staff, artists, donors, and board members, as well as friends and family. Please save the date and help us spread the word!
RSVP by email or call (415) 587-8157. When you RSVP, please let us know what you would like to bring, and we will send you the address.
And if you are interested in hosting a party in your area, please email us. We are so grateful to this season’s hosts and the many volunteers who have hosted Walden holiday parties over the years.
Year-End Giving
Thank you to the many generous donors who have made year-end gifts to Walden! Your contributions will help us offer life-changing musical experiences next summer to 100 students across our two programs, including critical student scholarships and inspiring artist residencies.
It’s not too late to make a contribution! Make a donation online, or see below for more ways to give. Gifts postmarked on or before December 31, or online gifts made before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, can be counted toward the 2023 tax year.
Donate Today
Thanks again to our loyal and generous donors for empowering our students to pursue their love of music and creativity. Your gifts keep Walden flourishing for generations of creative musicians to come.
Ways to Give
- Send a check payable to The Walden School at 7 Joost Avenue, Suite 204, San Francisco, CA 94131. If your check is postmarked on or before December 31, 2023, your gift will count in the 2023 tax year.
- Give online. Your gift made online by 11:59pm Eastern Time on December 31, 2023, will count in the 2023 tax year.
- Arrange a matching gift from your employer.
- Make a pledge. Contact us for more information.
- Make a gift of stock shares.
- Donate your car through Donate for Charity.
- Join the David Hogan Society by including Walden in your estate plans. Contact us for more information.
Contributions to The Walden School, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
For more information, call (415) 587-8157 or email us.
Give the Gift of Walden
Bring some summer magic to the holiday season and support Walden School programs and initiatives with your order of Walden merchandise.
For the Holiday Season, enjoy 30% off of all merchandise orders through January 31.
We have shirts, baseball caps, canvas totes, stickers, mugs, magnets, keychains, pens, pencils, and more.
See what’s available and fill out an order form here.
Orders can be placed by check or money order, or via credit card/PayPal. Please contact Mindy Williams, Walden’s Administrative Manager, or call the Walden office at (415) 587-8157 if you have any questions.
Call for Memories and Photos
Attention alumni! We are renewing a call for treasured memories and photos from your time at Walden or the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), to be included in a 50th/70th-Anniversary memory book.
Please aim to keep your reflections to a maximum of 250 words.
Alumni are also invited to share up to five treasured photos with the community to be included in the memory book.
Please send your memories and photos to us at alumni@waldenschool.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Apply for Walden 2024
The winter-round deadline is February 1
The winter-round deadline to apply to the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is February 1. We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers.
Walden’s 2024 programs:
- Creative Musicians Retreat: June 15 – June 23, 2024, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for musicians ages 18-98)
- Young Musicians Program: June 29 – August 4, 2024, Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire (for pre-college musicians, ages 9-18)
Application materials for both programs are available on our website.
Write to us at applicants@waldenschool.org with any questions.
Apply Today
Young Musicians Program (YMP) Online Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about the music camp that changes lives.
Do you know a student who writes songs or arranges music? Or a young improviser who wants to strengthen their musicianship and meet like-minded peers? Or a music teacher who might like to learn about Walden’s unique curriculum?
Join us at one of our online interactive information sessio
All YMP Info Sessions are held on Zoom and begin at 7 pm Eastern / 4 pm Pacific.
Learn more and register for one of the info sessions below:
These events are open to prospective students, music teachers, and anyone else who would like to learn about Walden’s flagship program for musicians ages 9 to 18.
Competitions and Calls for Scores
Featured opportunities for composers
Featured opportunities for composersWalden encourages the sharing of opportunities and resources for composers, including competitions and calls for scores that may be of interest to our community. We maintain a searchable list of competitions, awards, and calls for scores on our website. Opportunities are often posted in Walden’s community Facebook group as well.
Here are some opportunities we are highlighting this month:
Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize
The Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance invites composers to submit original compositions for wind ensemble/concert band. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000. There may also be the opportunity to perform the winning work with the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble in the following academic year, with travel and accommodation support of up to $1,000 for the winning composer. Apply by January 8, 2024.
Heartland Symphony Composition Competition
Heartland Symphony Orchestra is a 50-piece volunteer, nonprofit, community orchestra located in and serving the central Minnesota area of Brainerd, Little Falls, and the surrounding rural communities. HSO invites composers nationwide to submit original orchestral compositions. Winners will receive a $1,000 monetary prize, an opportunity to work with HSO and its conductor, and a recording of the concert. Apply by January 21, 2024.
The Robert Avalon International Competition for Composers
Through this competition, Foundation for Modern Music honors its late Artistic Director Robert Avalon. The competition is open to submissions of solo and chamber music (up to 5 performers) composed by junior, high school, college and professional composers, with awards for first and second place in each category. Apply by January 30, 2024.
Eight Strings & a Whistle Composer Competition
Held every two years, the Eight Strings & a Whistle Competition invites composers of all ages enrolled in an accredited degree program at the time of application to submit a work composed for flute, viola and cello. Eight Strings & a Whistle will perform the World Premiere of the winning composer’s work in the Fall of 2024. The winning entrant will also receive a working rehearsal with Eight Strings & a Whistle, a featured interview on the Eight Strings & a Whistle website and a stipend of $300 to help defer travel expenses. There is a $12 application fee. Apply by February 1, 2024.
If you’re aware of an opportunity that Walden students, alumni, faculstaff, and friends should know about too, please contact us.
In the Spotlight
Tessie McGough and Solon Snider Sway
In the midst of last summer’s Young Musicians Program (YMP), Walden’s Board of Directors held its annual summer meeting on the campus of the Dublin School. For two days in July, this group of dedicated volunteers met to work on plans for Walden’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Walden is very grateful to Christine Dokko and Loring Catlin, Jr., who both rotated off the board after completing their board terms. Both Loring and Christine made numerous contributions to the work of Walden’s board during their service to Walden, and we look forward to staying in touch for many years to come!
Two new directors joined the board at its July meeting: Tessie McGough and Solon Snider Sway. Both YMP alumni, Tessie and Solon are currently the youngest members on the board, and we are excited to profile them in this edition of InterNetzo. Tessie attended YMP from 2005 through 2007, and Solon attended in 2011 and 2012. Below, they share their reflections on Walden and the perspectives they bring to their new roles on Walden’s board.
How did you first get involved with Walden?
Tessie: My mom somehow found out about Walden and suggested that I should apply. This is when I was 11, and I thought it sounded great. And thanks to Walden for providing a lot of generous financial aid that made it possible for me to attend, and to come back for a second summer after that. Then when I got to high school, I moved on to other things, but I had three incredible summers at Walden.
Solon: I did a lot of music growing up, mostly performance-based music study, but then decided that that wasn’t the path I wanted to go down and heard about Walden from a close friend and about its amazing programming and community and decided to try it out, and I immediately fell in love with everything about it. I went back again for my last two years of high school. I wish I had discovered it earlier because I would have gone more, but it totally changed my trajectory in terms of my relationship with music and also my career path in so many ways.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at Walden?
Solon: My first “Apple” dance, hearing my teachers play that song and sing it, and just being around so many friends that I felt really comfortable with—that was one of my first moments of feeling true community through music. I immediately sensed how much that song meant to people at Walden, even though it was my first time hearing it. I think that’s a really good example of what Walden can be, community through music, that song and the whole spirit and energy of Walden dances. I felt so included at those events and nobody was alienated. I feel like it was a space where people felt really comfortable and free to express themselves. It’s kind of like taking all the stuff we learn about how to make music in the classroom and putting it in a social space or a dance hall.
Tessie: I remember getting to Walden and thinking, “Oh my God, everyone’s older than me,” and then immediately these older girls—Morgan [Kusmer] and Danielle [Oberdier] and Cara [Haxo] and Lydia [Shaw]—they all immediately welcomed me. And we all hung out on the swing for a while and I remember thinking, “They don’t even know me, why are they being so nice to me?” They just had an incredibly generous spirit. That kind of encapsulates Walden. Even today, I think like all the people I’ve met are just kind of similar in that respect, the minute you say, Walden, then it’s like “you’re one of me!”
Recently I was at a friend’s place for Diwali, and we were watching a lot of Bollywood music videos. One of them came on and I said, “Wait a minute, I recognize this”—because of Walden! One of the specialty classes I took involved pop music from around the world, and I impressed a lot of people. And it was just an amazing moment that showed much I was exposed to at Walden.
What are you engaged in currently, and what are you excited to bring to Walden’s board?
Solon: I teach music mostly. I have a youth choir, 6th through 12th grade, and I teach college. Since leaving Walden, I’ve taught all the way from kindergarten up to age 80, and I’ve been hugely influenced by everything I learned at Walden. It’s one of the main motivators for how I approach teaching music: encouraging people to think about what music is on the broadest level when they start their relationship with music. And I try to carry what Walden taught me, which is that you can create your own path through music, by improvising and composing, figuring out what music means to you and finding your own language. I found that to be extremely useful as a teacher and as a student. As I’ve gotten involved with more and more organizations, and continued to realize how important Walden was to me, I thought joining the board might be a good way for me to give back to Walden.
Tessie: After Walden, I went to Harvard and studied economics, and I also played in the Pops Orchestra and the Mozart Society Orchestra, which is smaller chamber orchestra. That was really fun. After graduating, I worked at the Brattle Group in Boston for three years as an economics consultant. Now I work at Meta as a data scientist. I finished my MBA at Chicago Booth in 2022 and now I work supporting the VR devices team. In joining the board, I’m really excited to have an opportunity to contribute back to Walden after Walden gave me so much. And hopefully some of my tech experience will be useful. I want to appreciate the flywheel that is Walden and help support it as much as possible.
Community News
Laura Cocks included in Top 30 Musical Professionals of 2023
Flutist Laura Cocks has been named by Musical America as one of the Top 30 Professionals of the Year, a distinction awarded to musicians, administrators, and educators whose unique efforts “ensure the health of the artform and its essential value in our lives, now and for generations to come.” Cocks has been a visiting artist at Walden in multiple roles: as a member of The Walden School Players, and with TAK Ensemble and the International Contemporary Ensemble. Musical America’s profile highlights Laura’s accomplishments as a performing flutist and commissioner of new repertoire for flute, as well as the activities and collaborative ethos of TAK , of which Laura is Executive Director. In addition to performing and commissioning new music, TAK also has a record label focused on emerging composers, and a podcast featuring interviews with composers and performers.
Riley Ferretti’s Dona Nobis Pacem performed by the Washington Master Chorale
A choral work by CMR alumna Riley Ferretti, originally composed for Walden’s Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) last summer, was given a Washington, D.C. premiere on December 10 by the Washington Master Chorale under the direction of Thomas Colohan, who served as choral director at CMR for the past six summers. Ferretti’s Dona Nobis Pacem was premiered in June by the CMR chamber chorus. The work was included on the Washington Master Chorale’s program “Sweet was the Song” alongside a program of Christmas carols and other holiday repertoire.
Audiobook by Alicia Jo Rabins released
The audiobook version of Even God Had Bad Parenting Days, by YMP alumna Alicia Jo Rabins, was released this month. Rabins, who read the audiobook herself, describes the book as “a series of micro-essays, many of them quite personal, about how Jewish traditions can support us through the difficulties and joys of pregnancy, birth and raising little ones.” Rabins is a writer, musician, composer, performer, and Torah teacher based in Portland, Oregon.
Felix Jarrar named Resident Artist Coach at Opera Naples
Felix Jarrar, a CMR alumnus, has been engaged as the Resident Artist Coach at Opera Naples in Florida for winter 2024. He will spend two months coaching in the company’s young artist program and serve as principal rehearsal pianist for its production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Felix is a pianist, coach, and composer who recently contributed the art song Sun of the Sleepless to soprano Laura Strickling and pianist Daniel Schlosberg’s 2024 Grammy-nominated album 40@40.
Osnat Netzer releases debut portrait album
Osnat Netzer, a veteran faculty member at both of Walden’s programs, has released her debut portrait album on New Focus Recordings. Dot : Line : Sigh features performances by past Walden visiting artists Ensemble Dal Niente and Mivos Quartet, among other performers. Netzer’s music engages with various abstract concepts, including cognitive linguistics and the experience of physicality.
We want to hear from you!
What’s been going on? If you have a recent or upcoming premiere, publication, award, new job or program, or a celebratory life event, please share the news at waldenschool.org/contact.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
Reflections on the 2023 Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Reflections on the 2023 Young Musicians Program (YMP)
From Seth Brenzel, Director of YMP and Walden School Executive Director
I had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family here in San Francisco, and I hope that for those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, you enjoyed a peaceful time with loved ones, as well. This is a wonderful time to reflect on all of the things for which I am grateful, and one of the things for which I am most appreciative this year is the amazing 2023 Young Musicians Program (YMP). We had a terrific session in Dublin on the gorgeous campus of the Dublin School. 56 students from around the United States, China, and Belgium joined 23 faculty, staff, nurses, and administrators for five outstanding weeks (and in some cases three weeks!) of creative music making.
We had exciting residencies with Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses; an opening concert given by percussionist and this summer’s Technical Director, Ross Karre; TAK Ensemble, led by Laura Cocks, which performed student works as well as faculty commissions; members of the International Contemporary Ensemble; and The Walden School Players, who this year were composed of Mabel Kwan (piano), Chris Wild (cello), Erica Dicker (violin), Zachary Good (clarinets), Dennis Sullivan (percussion), and Kyra Sims (horn).
Kari Francis was back for her second year as Walden’s Choral Director, and our choral concert was a wonderful success, featuring music by Veljo Tormis, Simon & Garfunkel, Lili Boulanger, Reena Esmail, Meredith Monk, and Billie Holiday, among many other wonderful composers and songwriters. Faculty members Nate Trier, Theo Trevisan, Francesca Hellerman, Lukáš Janata, Luke Schroeder, and Emi Ostrom assisted Kari in conducting choral ensembles and leading a summer filled with singing.
We were blown away and so very fortunate to have Nicole Mitchell as Walden’s Composer-in-Residence at YMP. In addition to her artistry and her own amazing music-making that she shared with our community, we were delighted by the way in which she worked with our students, providing insight and leading constructive dialogue with each YMP composer. She joyously interacted with the students, faculty, and the whole community, and indeed became a Walden community member herself during her seven-day residency. We all hope that our paths cross again sometime soon!
The summer was replete with fun—swim trips, Halloween-in-July featuring a haunted house, and beautiful mountain hikes, including the pinnacle trek up to the top of Mount Monadnock. We had an optional, non-denominational-holiday-in-
Some of you may have heard about the tornado that struck our campus during Festival Week, right in the midst of the Musicianship Demo for parents, guardians, and family members. Thank goodness we were all together and inside when the tornado touched down, and luckily very few of the buildings were damaged; most of the damage that the campus experienced were downed trees. The tornado certainly rattled our nerves, and yet the community came together to support one another during this time. We were grateful that nobody on campus or in the Walden or Dublin communities was injured, and all of us were grateful for how Dublin School responded to make sure the Walden community was safe. The David Hogan memorial tree that had been planted on the quad nearly 20 years ago was destroyed during the tornado, and we’ll be working with Dublin School to replace that tree.
A parent of two 2023 Young Musicians Program students writes: “Rarely a day goes by without my children rehashing how much fun they had at Walden last summer. I can’t thank you and the entire Walden community enough for making it possible for them to be a part of what I believe has been a life-changing experience. They’re discovering their own inner musical voices. It’s as if a spark has been lit in them.”
We hope to see you (or your student or cousin or neighbor or child) at Walden 2024, for which applications are now open. We can’t wait to light more sparks and help more eager Walden students find their musical voices!
Reflections on the 2023 Walden/Junior Conservatory Camp Reunion
Reflections on the 2023 Walden/JCC Alumni Reunion
From Noah Mlotek, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
From Noah Mlotek, Director of Development and Alumni RelationsOver the weekend of August 4 to 6, 2023, The Walden School hosted a weekend of events to celebrate Walden’s 50th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program. Dozens of Walden alumni and their families gathered in the Monadnock region to reconnect with friends, make new connections, and experience a bit of the Walden/JCC magic once again.
On Friday, alumni began arriving on the campus of the Dublin School, Walden’s summer home for the last 40 years. We enjoyed an outdoor reception and barbeque dinner, workshops by veteran Walden faculty and alumni Caroline Mallonee (“Composing with Scordatura”) and Ted Moore (“Introduction to Modular Synthesis Using VCV Rack”), and Evening Music led by YMP faculty members and alumni Francesca Hellerman and Theo Trevisan. The evening concluded with Goodnight Music and a reception in Gillespie Hall.
On Saturday, alumni had the option of hiking Mt. Monadnock or Gap Mountain, swimming in Dublin Pond, or exploring nearby Keene or Peterborough. More musical workshops were offered: Chorus, led by former YMP choral director Sarah Riskind, and Musicianship, led by Walden faculty member and CMR alumnus Lukáš Janata. Saturday evening brought a wonderfully festive 50th-anniversary dinner, with balloons and cake for Walden’s big birthday. We then enjoyed a breathtaking solo piano recital by Mackenzie Melemed, a YMP alumnus, who inaugurated the beautiful historic Steinway piano recently donated to Walden by Dublin resident and Walden supporter Tuck Crocker, who was profiled in the September edition of InterNetzo. After gathering in our final Goodnight Music circle of the reunion, alumni were treated to a special photo show filled with cherished memories from 70 years of Walden and JCC history.
On Sunday, we watched a video prepared by former JCC faculty member Ron Nelson with priceless photos and footage from the history of JCC, enlivened with commentary from Bob Weaver, the “dean” of the reunion, who first attended JCC in 1956. We also heard an update on the amazing successes of Walden at 50 from Executive Director Seth Brenzel. The reunion concluded with a Composers Forum moderated by veteran Walden faculty members Lukáš Janata and Tamar Bloch, featuring nine compositions by alumni of CMR and YMP, and incredible performances by our reunion guest artists: David Friend (piano), Thea Mesirow (cello), Laura Cocks (flutes) and Ellery Trafford (percussion) of TAK Ensemble, and Joshua Rubin (clarinets) of the International Contemporary Ensemble (clarinets). Four of these five visiting artists are past performers at Walden.
From Sanctus to Black Socks, from Earth Goddess to My Old Brown Earth, from Jumala siunaa to sol-sol-la-sol-ti-do, from “come let us sing” to “we won’t be singing till then,” it was a rich celebration of Walden and JCC and 50 and 70: a shared ethos, community, musical language, and spirit of open-mindedness that is as strong as ever. In words by the poet Wendell Berry that will be familiar to many alumni: “Again, again we come and go, changed, changing. . . . Only music keeps us here.”
Thank you to all the alumni and family members who made the trip from near and far for this special reunion. And a huge thank you to the hard-working reunion staff, led by Director of Operations Sammi Stone, and the workshop leaders who made it such a fun and memorable occasion.
. . . till then . . .
Noah Mlotek
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
This item was originally published in the November 2023 edition of InterNetzo, Walden's online newsletter.