Message from Seth Brenzel,
Executive Director

 

Dear Walden friends,

I hope you had a joyful holiday season and a happy new year, and that you are staying warm and safe amid the winter weather that is affecting so many. With this edition of InterNetzo, I am pleased to share lots of exciting Walden news, which I hope will bring some brightness to your week.

Applications for Walden’s 2026 programs are open! Our winter-round application deadline is Monday, February 2. Both our Young Musicians Program (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, I hope you will pass along information about Walden to them. And if you yourself might want to apply to be part of Walden Summer 2026, we will look forward to receiving your application for what promises to be another summer of creativity, community, music, and mentorship!

Read on for more information about several upcoming Walden events:

• Saturday, January 31: A Walden holiday party in New York City
• February 1–4: The 2026 Memphis Composers Institute
• Saturday, March 14: A Walden celebration and fundraiser in Los Angeles

Below, we share interviews with Walden alums Caroline Mallonee and Dede Ondishko, two of the composers whose works will be featured at the Memphis Composers Institute. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at an upcoming Walden event—or next summer in Dublin, New Hampshire!

Sincerely,

Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
(415) 587-8157

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2026 Memphis Composers Institute (MCI)

Walden presents new music in Memphis

The Walden School continues its collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the University of Memphis through the 2026 Memphis Composers Institute, supporting the artistic development of emerging orchestral composers selected through an international call for scores.

The 2026 Institute will take place February 1–4, 2026. It will offer an exciting series of open rehearsals, panel discussions, a reception with musicians, and community engagement events, including a series of workshops, masterclasses, and an orchestral reading session with Memphis Youth Symphony Program students.

At the culminating public concert on Wednesday, February 4, the three selected scores will be premiered alongside a new orchestral work by Walden alum and faculty member Caroline Mallonee.

The three selected composers are:

Dede Ondishko, Singing Strength
Fulya Kapucugil, Leaving the Nest
Ethan Soledad, Cages of Jade

Learn more about the 2026 Memphis Composers Institute here.

Concert Information
Memphis Composers Institute Concert
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 7:30 PM
University of Memphis, Harris Hall
BUY TICKETS
$20 General Admission / $5 Youth / Pay What You Can ($5+)

In connection with the 2026 Memphis Composers Institute, we are pleased to highlight two composers whose music will be premiered on the February 4 concert: Caroline Mallonee and Dede Ondishko.

In the Spotlight: Caroline Mallonee

Caroline (Carrie) Mallonee is well known to the Walden community. An alum of both the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and the Teacher Training Institute (TTI), Carrie has served on faculty and staff for many summers at YMP and at Walden’s Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR), a program that she has directed since it was launched in 2011.

Tell us about the new work that you wrote for the Memphis Composers Institute.

It is an orchestration of a work that I originally wrote in 2017 called Curtains of Light. When I wrote the piece, it was for a mixed ensemble. I always thought I should arrange it for orchestra because there are so many different colors in the piece.

When we went to Memphis last year and had this amazing week at the first Memphis Composers Institute, D. J. Sparr [artistic coordinator of the MCI] floated the idea that maybe in 2026 they could do a piece of mine. I was thrilled, because I had this piece that was looking for a place.

It’s about the Northern Lights. The original piece was commissioned by family friends, Carol and Jim Oleson, who took a trip to see the Northern Lights to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They both sent me written impressions and pictures that they had taken that night. I took their words and their images and turned them into this piece.

Read the Full Interview with Caroline Mallonee

In the Spotlight: Dede Ondishko

Denise (Dede) Ondishko has been involved with Walden since the 1970s, first as a student, then as a staff, faculty, and board member. Based in Cathedral City, California, Dede is a composer, pianist, violinist, jam leader, and all-around creative force.

Tell us about the new work you’ve written, Singing Strength.

In 2011, when I was living in Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, the birds would wake me up in the morning and the frogs would keep me awake at night. At first, I found them to be annoying, and then, living among them for four years, I found them more interesting and decided to get to know them more. I received a grant of $10,000 from the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, which allowed me to buy recording equipment and go out into the field to record the birds.

Together with my field partner, Beverly Gaddy, I went on outings all around Hilton Head Island and throughout the coastal regions of South Carolina documenting birds, insects, and frogs. One night we were out in a graveyard, where we were told you could hear a certain owl at night. It was freezing cold, and we were sitting in my car waiting with the windows rolled down. We got locked in the nature preserve that night, and we didn’t even hear the owl! It takes a lot of sitting and waiting to capture some of these sounds.

Read the Full Interview with Dede Ondishko

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Upcoming Fundraising Event

Join us in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 14!

Please save the date for a Walden celebration and fundraiser in Los Angeles! This reception and concert will feature the Los Angeles-based vocal octet Exilio Ensemble, a group that is dedicated to highlighting underrepresented and emerging composers through performances and educational outreach.

This evening of music, community, and refreshments will celebrate Walden’s mission of inspiring artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs. Contributions to The Walden School Annual Fund will underwrite critical student scholarships and inspiring artist residencies at Walden’s programs this coming summer.

You are welcome to RSVP or contact us with any questions by emailing donors@waldenschool.org or calling (415) 587-8157.

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Walden Holiday Parties

Walden School and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) community members have been gathering for informal potlucks in cities throughout the country this winter season. We had events in San Francisco and in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as a virtual reunion for alumni of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program. There is one more potluck event scheduled for tomorrow:

New York City
Saturday, January 31, from 3 to 5 pm

These Walden Holiday Parties are open to Walden and JCC alumni, faculty, staff, Board members, guest artists, and donors, along with their families and friends. These are family-friendly, 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 by calling (415) 587-8157.

RSVP for the Walden Holiday Party this Saturday!

Above: A Walden holiday party in San Francisco, December 21, 2025

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Apply for Walden 2026

The winter application deadline is Monday, February 2.

Applications for The Walden School’s 2026 summer programs are open! The winter-round deadline to apply to the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is this Monday, February 2.

We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers.

Creative Musicians Retreat
June 13–21, 2026
Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire
for musicians ages 18–98

Young Musicians Program
June 27–August 2, 2026
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 to Walden 2026!

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Young Musicians Program (YMP) Information Sessions

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 sessions, featuring presentations and Q&A with Walden’s Executive Director, Seth Brenzel, alongside YMP leadership, faculty, staff, and students.

All YMP Info Sessions are held on Zoom. Learn more and register for one of the info sessions below:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 25

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.

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Walden is Hiring!

Walden is hiring for 2026 summer positions at our Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) 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:

Staff Member and Staff Lifeguard – Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Faculty Member – Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Electronic Music Faculty – Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR)
Choral Director – Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR)

Please contact us with any questions or inquiries. All positions are open until filled.

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Opportunities for Composers

Did you know that Walden hosts a continually updated  webpage of competitions, awards, and calls for scores? Please let us know of additional opportunities that may be of interest to the Walden community.

Here are a few featured opportunities with upcoming deadlines:

Ithaca College Wohlhueter Jazz Ensemble Composition Contest

The Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble announces a call for new pieces for big band with a part for solo trumpet (with the option to add electronics). The IC Jazz Ensemble plans to perform the winning piece in concert with Ingrid Jensen as guest trumpet soloist on April 25, 2026, in Ford Hall at the Whalen Center for Music. The contest prize for the winning composer is $1,500. There is an entry fee of $25. Apply by February 27.

Chinese Instrumental Music Symposium (CIM-S) Call for Scores

CIM-S and Spark Ensemble invite submissions of new pieces for mixed contemporary Chinese instrumental music ensemble: erhu, soprano chromatic sheng, zhongruan, and optional piano or conductor. Selected composers will attend CIM-S in Toronto in August 2026, where they will receive collaborative feedback from Spark Ensemble and a premiere performance. Apply by February 28.

Chicago a cappella HerVoice Competition and Mentorship Program

Chicago a cappella and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale seek submissions for HerVoice, a competition and mentorship program for women composers. Up to six winners will be selected to receive mentorship from a committee including composers Stacy Garrop (a Walden alum and former faculty member) and Chen Yi (a past Composer-in-Residence at Walden and a member of Walden’s Advisory Council), a workshop rehearsal, and a premiere performance of their work. In addition, all composers who submit will be invited to participate in a virtual meeting with Stacy Garrop about navigating a career as a female composer. Submissions should be 3-5 minutes in length and scored for up to 10 voices (SSSAATTBBB). Apply by March 15.

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Community News

Ben Richardson heads to Winter Olympics

Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) alum Ben Richardson is heading to the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, as part of the USA Curling team. The first USA Curling events will take place on Thursday, February 5. Richardson has been competing in curling since his youth, including winning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2017 world junior curling championships. Richardson is an accomplished cellist and a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music. He can be found on social media under the handle @curlingcelloguy. Congratulations and good luck, Ben!

Reiny Rolock weds

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Young Musicians Program (YMP) alum Reiny Rolock, who was married to Serena Strecker at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn on January 17. Reiny and Serena have adopted new names: Serena Strecker Rolock and Reiny Strecker Rolock. Fellow YMP alum George Landau-Pincus was part of the wedding party.

Reiny received his Ph.D in music composition last May from Stony Brook University. His dissertation, “A Catalog of Misreadings, Distortions, Palimpsests, and Reconstructions,” treats fragments of medieval music notation as contemporary graphic notation for an electroacoustic quartet. He is currently an adjunct professor of music technology at Long Island University in Brooklyn.

Congratulations, Reiny and Serena!

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In Memoriam

We are sad to share the news that Linda Blondel (née Wilder), an alum of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) and Walden’s Teacher Training Institute (TTI), passed away on October 12, 2025.

Linda studied music and dance at Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore, at Bennington College in Vermont, and in New York City with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. She taught dance in Greece and was a co-founder of the Parisian dance company SITU. Linda performed throughout her life as a modern dancer, for many years as a member of the Miki Liszt Dance Company. A gifted classical pianist and teacher, Linda had a long musical career in Charlottesville, Virginia. She loved chamber music and performed regularly with many local musicians over the years. Linda also maintained a private piano teaching studio and was a longtime member of the Wednesday Music Club. She played piano with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, and at Cove Presbyterian Church for 43 years.

Linda is survived by her husband Pierre, her son Emile (a pianist and past Walden visiting artist), her son Dmitri and daughter-in-law Jennifer Luff, and her granddaughter River. Our condolences go out to Linda’s family, friends, and loved ones.

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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.