Collage of musical artists

Cali Immersive Residency 2021-2022

A reimagined professional residency program held at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music.

The week-long residencies included a rotation of eight top-rated artists and ensembles. Each residency contributed to an ongoing exploration of the ever-changing landscape of music, introducing students to a future that would be, at times, less traditional. Through the multiple opportunities to learn and collaborate with guest artists, students broadened their understanding of their future musical careers.

Co-presented with Kaufman Music Center

Kaufman music center      Cali School of Music logo

Enjoy highlights from the 2021-22 Season.

Our 2021-22 Guests

JACK QUARTET

Glimpse into JACK Quartet’s creative process at the Cali School of Music, as the quartet prepares to premiere commissioned works by George Lewis and Khyam Allami. During this three part session, faculty member Aaron Helgeson will moderate the Cali Conversation with JACK and both composers.  They will speak about creating new works together, followed by a sneak preview of Lewis and Allami’s pieces before their premieres at Merkin Hall on April 21. A brief Q + A with the artists will follow the performance.

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

JACK QUARTET
Cali Conversations: “About the Process with JACK”

TUE, APR 19, 6PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Reserve Tickets

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: JACK Quartet
Thu, Apr 21,
7:30PM, Merkin Hall NYC
The program includes the world premieres of Khyam Allami’s An-imin-bi Ki-imin-bi and a new work by George Lewis, plus the U.S. premiere of Patricia Alessandrini’s A Complete History of Music (Volume 1).

Purchase Tickets

 

CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY EVENTS
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Mon, April 18
1-3PM Composition Practicum, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU RSVP
3-5PM Student Composition Readings, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU RSVP

Tues, April 19
2-4PM Composers and Students – 1. Rhythm; 2. Timbre; 3. Tuning (Microtones)
Students to perform a small excerpt, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU RSVP

Wed, April 20
9AM-12PM Chamber Music Coachings in G1, G2, G33, Chapin, MSU RSVP


Completed Residencies:

ROB KAPILOW

For over 30 years, Rob Kapilow has brought the joy and wonder of music – and unraveled some of its mysteries – to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Characterized by his unique ability to create an “aha” moment for his audiences and collaborators, whatever their level of musical sophistication or naiveté, Kapilow’s work brings music into people’s lives: opening new ears to musical experiences and helping people to listen actively rather than just hear. Rob Kapilow Website

CALI RESIDENCY EVENTS: September 27-30, 2021

“ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN: MUSIC FROM THE INSIDE OUT”
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

“Vocal Music: Opera/Art Song”
Mon, Sept 27, 11-1PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Piano Masterclass
Mon, Sept 27, 1-2PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Voice Masterclass
Mon, Sept 27, 2-3PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, MSU

“Listen for the Hmmm” with Rob Kapilow
Mon, Sept 27, 3:30-4:45PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
Livestream

Choral Conducting Methods Class with Rob Kapilow (students only)
Tues, Sept 28, 11:15-12:30PM | G-55, Chapin, MSU

Guest Teacher for Elementary Classroom Methods (students only)
Wed, Sept 29, 10:45AM-12PM | G55, MSU

“From Good to Great: Listening for Possibility”
Wed, Sept 29, 3PM | Presentation Hall, School of Communication & Media
Livestream

Music Theater Masterclass
Thu, Sept 30, 11:15AM-1PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Chamber Music Masterclass
Thu, Sept 30, 2-3:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

“What Makes it Great” with Kodak Quartet
Thu, Sept 30, 7:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Watch Livestream

Reserve Tickets

VOCES8

The acclaimed British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will work with MSU students on vocal and ensemble techniques, communication, and listening skills including original MSU student choral compositions. Workshops will include Environmental Music Therapy, Music Education and Entrepreneurship students. The residency will culminate in a Merkin concert with VOCES8 and MSU Singers. VOCES8 Website

CALI RESIDENCY EVENTS: October 13-16, 2021
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Reservations for non-ticketed events close Tuesday October 12 at noon.

Composition Forum (students only)
WED | OCT 13 | 7-8:30PM Rm 201, Chapin, MSU

Directing Unconducted Vocal Ensembles Workshop (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 11:15AM-12:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Aural Skills III/IV/Composition Practicum (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 11:15AM-12:30PM | Rm. G55, Chapin, MSU

Choral, Vocal & Musicd Ed Workshops Chorale + GR Voice Students (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 1-2:15PM | Rms. G55/201/Leshowitz, Chapin, MSU

University Singers rehearsing with Voces8 (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 2:30-4PM G55/Leshowitz, Chapin, MS

Composition Reading/Workshop – 3 new student works for a cappella vocal ensemble (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 5-6:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Cultivating Healing Environments via Vocal Ensembles-Music Therapy Workshop (students only)
THU | OCT 14 | 7:30-9PM | Rm. 230, Chapin, MSU

Entrepreneurial Workshop: Co-hosted MSU-ACDA Chapter
THU | OCT 14 | 7:30-9PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

“Insights into the VOCES8 Process” – Immersive Workshop Experience
SAT | OCT 16 | 12-3PM | Merkin Hall NYC
*Note: fully vaccinated individuals; participants and observers masked.
Lead by VOCES8, participants include the Montclair State University Singers and select students from Edison High School, Tenafly High School, John P. Stevens High School and Kaufmann Music Center students. An inclusive vocal ensemble worrkshop characterized by flexibility, physicality and creativity.

Dress Rehearsal (University Singers + VOCES8 only)
SAT | OCT 16 | 4:30-6PM | Merkin Hall NYC

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Cali Conversations: “The Art of Ensemble”-Introducing VOCES8
Vocal techniques & ensemble skills in action; communication; stylistic diversity
WED | OCT 13 | 4-5:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
Student/Audience Q & A
WED | OCT 13 | 5:30-6PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Masterful Musings: “A Conversation About the Inner-workings of VOCES8”
Masterful Musings moderated by Prof. Laura Dolp. A conversation about the inner workings of VOCES8. Audience questions welcome.
WED|OCT 13 |7PM|Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: Concert “After Silence” featuring VOCES8 and University Singers
Heather J. Buchanan, conductor Steven W. Ryan, pianist
SAT | OCT 16 | 7:30PM | Merkin Hall NYC


KRONOS QUARTET

The fearless San Francisco string quartet KRONOS will work closely with the MSU string students on commissions from their 50 for the Future commissioning project, and with composition students on brand new student works. Through the course of the week, Kronos will extensively share their 45+ years of commissioning experience and ensemble playing and as a bonus, they will share the stage with the Montclair string students in the culminating concert at Merkin Hall for the Bridges Series with a new work by Philip Glass. Kronos Quartet Website

CALI RESIDENCY: October 18-20, 2021
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Composition Practicum and Orchestration
MON | OCT 18 | 1-2:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

String Quartet Coaching #1
MON | OCT 18 | 3:30-4:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall (Public), Rooms G33, 206, 230 (students only)

Glass Rehearsal Kronos and SMS Students (students only)
MON | OCT 18 | 5-7PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall

Graduate Seminar Class on Music from the 20th and 21st Century
TUE | OCT 19 | 1-3:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

String Quartet Coaching #2
TUE | OCT 19 | 4-5PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall (Public), Rooms G33, 230, 206 (students only)

String Quartet Coaching #3
WED | OCT 20 | 9:30AM | Leshowitz Recital Hall (Public), Rooms G1, G2, G33 (students only)

String Quartet Coaching #4
WED | OCT 20 | 10:45AM | Leshowitz Recital Hall (Public), Rooms G1, G2, G33 (students only)

CONCERT of student quartets performing 50 for the Future pieces
WED | OCT 20 | 11:30-Noon | Leshowitz Recital Hall (Public)

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Cali Conversations: “Open Rehearsal and Panel Discussion”
TUE | OCT 19 | 6PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: KRONOS QUARTET
THU | OCT 21 | 7:30PM | Merkin Hall NYC


The program includes repertoire from their 50 For The Future commissioning program. The concert will include performances by Kaufman Music Center string quartets and students from the Cali School of Music.


WYNTON MARSALIS

Internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader and educator Wynton Marsalis will work with MSU students on improvisation, composition and instrumental techniques. Workshops will include students from Jazz Studies, Composition, Music Education, and Performance areas. Furthermore, Mr. Marsalis will be interviewed by Director Mazzocchi for the Cali School of music community and patrons. Wynton Marsalis Website

CALI RESIDENCY EVENTS: November 9-11, 2021
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Brass Masterclass with Wynton Marsalis
TUE | NOV 9 | Noon-2PM Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Composition & Arranging Discussion with Wynton Marsalis
TUE | NOV 9 | 2:30-3:45PM Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Masterclass for all students with Wynton Marsalis
WED | NOV 10 | 10-12PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Cali Conversations: “Behind the Scenes with Wynton”
Hosted by Director Anthony Mazzocchi
THU | NOV 11 | 5PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU


TREVOR NEW

The Trevor New residency will allow participants to explore ways to incorporate interactive digital technologies into their musicianship. Through both personal and group experimentation using free and low-cost technologies, participants will be able to meaningfully explore virtual music-making. They can also explore technologically-mediated composition and improvisation, plus collaboration through new approaches to contemporary musicianship. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a participant during the Cali Conversations Public Event “How do you Experience Time?” where you and a virtual audience can make music together. Trevor’s residency will conclude with a performance at Merkin Concert Hall. Trevor New Website

CALI RESIDENCY EVENTS: November 18, 2021
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Music Technology Petting Zoo
TUE | NOV 16 | 2-4PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

The Music Technology Petting Zoo will allow participants to explore the uses of various music technologies in performance and production. There will be several hands-on demonstrations of various music hardware and software technologies. Participants can observe the creative process, or bring an instrument and participate! No prior experience with music technology is needed to participate in the event.

Technology for Music Teachers Class students only
TUE | NOV 16 | 6-8PM Computer Lab

Viola practicum students only
WED | NOV 17 | 12-1:30PM G33

Jazz & Vocal Combo students only
WED | NOV 17 | 2:45-3:30PM G2 & 330 students only

Composers students only
WED | NOV 17 | 3:30-5PM G1

Music Therapy with Adults
WED | NOV 17 | 7-9:30PM School of Nursing in Grad School Zoom Only
For information to join the class that evening via Zoom, contact Dr. Michael Viega at viegam@montclair.edu

Jazz Combo students only
THU | NOV 18 | 3:30-4:30PM Rm 230

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Cali Conversations: “How do you Experience Time?”
THU | NOV 18 | 6-7:30PM | Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

An interactive lecture with Trevor New, a Brooklyn-based electro-acoustic viola musician who has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. http://www.trevornew.com/

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: TREVOR NEW
SAT | NOV 20 | 7:30PM | Merkin Hall NYC
At this interactive, multimedia, multidisciplinary performance, New will play with sounds from the in-person and virtual audience, create a telematic music instrument petting zoo, give the in-person audience musical control, and virtually bring in performers from around the U.S. This performance is about all the ways we can and are connected.


KAMALA SANKARAM

Acclaimed composer, vocalist, playwright and actress, Kamala Sankaram will work with Cali School students on a variety of creative events, including both her compositions and student compositions, culminating in a performance at Merkin. Students and faculty alike are excited to learn about Kamala’s own background, influences and creative processes in addition to handling notation in an open and improvisatory way. Kamala Sankaram Website

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Kamala Sankaram
Performance: “Crescent”

Thur, Feb 17, 7:30PM, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
Reserve Tickets

Composer and soprano Kamala Sankaram’s highly theatrical music defies categorization featuring her work with the genre-defying, pan-global band Bombay Rickey and a sneak preview of her newest work Crescent for solo voice and electronics, performed by Sankaram. The program will also include performances by students from the John J Cali School of Music of her other works “Ololyga”, “The Far Shore” and “Eight Phases of Luna”.

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: Kamala Sankaram
Sat, Feb 19,
7:30PM, Merkin Hall NYC
Her Merkin Hall debut will feature her work with the genre-defying, pan-global band Bombay Rickey, plus music for solo voice and electronics.
Purchase Bridges Tickets

 

CALI RESIDENCY EVENTS: February 15-18, 2022
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Mon, Feb 14
11AM-1PM Vocal Chamber Music G33/206/430 (STUDENTS ONLY)
1-3PM Composition/Voice Practicum, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
3-5PM Opera Coachings on Scenes from THUMBPRINT and Taking up Serpents, G55 (STUDENTS ONLY)

Tues, Feb 15

11:15-12:30PM Intro to Diction Class, G2, Chapin, MSU (STUDENTS ONLY)
1:30-3PM “A Conversation on Inclusion of Musics of India in US Music Therapy Degree Program Curricula”, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU (PUBLIC by Zoom Only)


Wed, Feb 16

12-1:30PM Graduate Practicum “Discussion on the Changing Landscape of Contemporary Opera” in 330 (STUDENTS ONLY)
3:30-4:30PM Jazz Combos in 330 (STUDENTS ONLY)
5-7PM Opera Workshop Master class THUMBPRINT and Taking up Serpents Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Thur, Feb 17,
2:30-3:45PM University Singers, G55, Chapin, MSU
University Singers will workshop “Let My Country Awake”, an a cappella commission based on the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, the great Bengali poet.


DAME EVELYN GLENNIE + MICHAEL DAUGHERTY


Join world renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and acclaimed composer Michael Daugherty in a series of masterclasses, lectures, and rehearsals. The week will culminate in the world premiere performance of the wind band version of Michael Daugherty’s Dreamachine by the MSU Wind Symphony with Dame Evelyn Glennie as soloist. Dame Evelyn Glennie Website Michael Daugherty Website

Public Ticketed Event:

Fri, Mar 4, 7:30PM
MSU Wind Symphony + MSU Symphonic Band
with special guest artists
Michael Daugherty, Composer
Dame Evelyn Glennie, Soloist
Thomas McCauley, Conductor
Alexander Kasser Theater, MSU
Ticketed Event $20
Purchase Tickets

FREE Public Outreach Event:

Wednesday, Mar 2, 6PM
“Touch the Sound” Film Screening
and Q&A with Dame Evelyn Glennie
Presentation Hall, School of Communication & Media, MSU
Free Ticketed Event
Reserve Tickets

Review of Touch the Sound by the New York Times

 

CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY EVENTS:
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, MSU
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

DAME EVELYN GLENNIE
Tuesday, Mar 1, 11AM-1PM
Percussion Master Class

Wednesday, Mar 2, 3-5PM
Conversation Panel on Exploring Deafness and the Role of Music

MICHAEL DAUGHERTY
Monday, Feb 28
The Music of Michael Daugherty 1PM
Composition Practicum 2-3PM
Chamber Music Coaching 4-5PM

Thursday, Mar 3
Chamber Music Coaching 11AM-1PM

Friday, March 4
Chamber Music Coaching 2-3PM


JAMES BLACHLY

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

MSU Symphony Orchestra with James Blachly and the Experiential Orchestra
Sat, Mar 26, 7:30PM, University Hall, 7th Floor Ballroom, MSU
Pre-performance Wine Tasting at 6:15PM (included with admission)

James Blachly is a Grammy®-winning conductor dedicated to enriching the concert experience by connecting with audiences in memorable and meaningful ways. James Blachly serves as Music Director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and of the Experiential Orchestra, and is a versatile guest conductor in diverse repertoire with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic.

In this very special and immersive concert “VISIONS OF AMERICA” the MSU Symphony and Experiential Orchestra will sit side by side with the audience.  The program portrays the idea of America from multiple perspectives, from MSU’s Artist-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery’s Banner and Soul Force to Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man (special feature by the MSU Wind Symphony) and William Levi Dawson’s neglected symphonic masterpiece.  Each piece on the program is paired with a wine courtesy of MSU faculty member Ryan Walsh to be  enjoyed during the pre-concert tasting.

Visions of America
Aaron Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man
Jessie Montgomery – Banner
Ethel Smyth – Excerpt from The Prison
Jessie Montgomery – Soul Force
William Levi Dawson – Symphony No. 1

Reserve Tickets

Photo by Allison Stock

 

CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY EVENTS
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Mon, March 21
1-3PM Composition Practicum, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Tues, March 22
2:30-3:45PM University Singers in G55 & Leshowitz
4-5PM Audition Masterclass: “How to win an audition” and expanding repertoire
Winds, Brass, Strings in Leshowitz

Wed, March 23
3-4.30PM “Expanding our repertoire: Ethel Smyth and the African Diaspora Music Project”: Leshowitz

Thur, March 24

2:15-3:15PM A Conductor’s Approach to Listening with the Kodak Quartet, Feliciano School of Business, MSU

In this hour-long presentation, Grammy®-Award winning conductor James Blachly takes the business school on a deep dive into leadership from a conductor’s perspective. Blachly has delivered this talk to Fortune-500 Companies and organizations across the country, and brings his unique approach to Montclair State for this event.


CHARLES YANG + PETER DUGAN

This “classical-meets-rockstar duo”, violinist Charles Yang and pianist Peter Dugan will mix things up as they interact with MSU strings and piano students in Spring 2022. Prizing versatility as the key to the future of classical music, the duo will conduct classes on improvising, functional theory, and a round table discussion on paving a career in today’s musical landscape . The residency will culminate in a Merkin Hall “Bridges” performance. Charles Yang Website Peter Dugan Website

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

RESCHEDULED!
Charles Yang + Peter Dugan
Performance: “Breaking Boundaries”

Mon, March 28, 7:30PM, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Followed by Q + A: Paving our Career Roundtable Discussion 

The dynamic violin-piano duo, Charles Yang and Peter Dugan will perform an evening of music showcasing classical to rock. It will be an evening of versatility that shouldn’t be missed. The evening will culminate in an original composition collaborating with the string students at Montclair State University.

Reserve Tickets

KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER & JOHN J. CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRESENT
BRIDGES: Charles Yang + Peter Dugan
Tue, March 29,
7:30PM, Merkin Hall NYC

More Info

ROOMFUL OF TEETH

Roomful of Teeth is a Grammy® winning vocal band dedicated to reimagining the expressive potential of the human voice. By engaging collaboratively with artists, thinkers, and community leaders from around the world, they seek to uplift and amplify voices old and new while creating and performing meaningful and adventurous music. Founded in 2009 by Brad Wells, the band was incubated at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Massachusetts, where they studied with some of the world’s top performers and teachers and commissioned composers who were known for breaking molds. They learned that the boundaries of the human voice are never what they seem, that rules can be bent, and broken, and perhaps they should be. As the world rapidly changes they are cultivating deeper relationships with technology, continuing to expand the capabilities of the human voice, aiming to be unburdened by their physical limitations. They are excited about new collaborative projects that are focused on the stories of place, home, and community in the diverse environments the planet has provided. They explore these boundaries with passionate curiosity, contagious enthusiasm, and deep gratitude.Roomful of Teeth Website

FREE Public Ticketed Event:

Roomful of Teeth
Performance: “Rough Magic”

Tue, Apr 5, 7:30PM, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
Q+A to Follow Performance 

Language may not make the world, but through its “rough magic” it does somehow make worlds. In this program, Roomful of Teeth presents new compositions in which language is both platform and subject. In these pieces, human language finds and conveys meaning as conduit, as metaphor, as mirror, as shaper of identity. Composers Peter Shin, Eve Beglarian, William Brittelle, and Caroline Shaw all make masterful use of Teeth’s signature sound palette, transporting the audience through tenderly emotional highs and lows.

Reserve Tickets

 

CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY EVENTS
Open to the Public by Reservation Only

Mon, April 4
1-3PM Composition/Voice Practicum, Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
3.30-5PM Masterclass in Microphone Technique Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU
5:30-7PM Diverse Worlds of Music Presentation Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin, MSU

Tues, April 5
9:45-11AM Music Technology Class in Leshowitz

Wed, April 6
12-1:30PM Graduate Vocal Practicum – Graduate Classical MM and AD students in Voice; in 201, Chapin, MSU