CO-OP PRESS

Featuring the music of Sy Brandon

Below are some comments about the residency experience with Sy Brandon:

Joseph Stephens, Director of Music at The First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, AR writes, "Dr. Sy Brandon visited my church for a premeire of one of his sacred choral works ("Psalm 23") this year and the experience was one I will never forget. His ability to connect with the people of the church as well as the choir was remarkable. In addition to spending time with the choir he was gracious enough to talk with me, at great length, about music composition and practice. His music speaks on a level that few composers ever reach. I would recommend him to any music ensemble for a commission or lecture series. He taught me and my choir more in one day than all the training I have had so far in my career."

Kenyon Wilson, Fulbright Scholar, Baku Academy, Azerbajian writes, "It was a pleasure listening to Dr. Brandon's composition masterclass."

Jay Krush, Faculty, Boyer College of Music, Temple University writes, "As a speaker, Dr. Brandon is articulate, energetic and full of fascinating, clearly voiced ideas. He is a natural teacher and has the rare ability to make complex musical ideas comprehensible and entertaining to musicians (whether professionals, students, or amateurs) and to the general public and students, as well."

James Orgar, Director, French Road Elementary School Band - "Our kids enjoyed Sy's presentations and his friendly style.  It was great to have someone at the college level work with our elementary students and not "talk down" to them."

Dr. Benjamin Pierce, Tuba Professor, the University of Arkansas writes, "Having Mr. Brandon on campus for the premiere of Suite Francaise Moderne was especially valuable.  Dr. Brandon helped the ensemble to understand many of the subtleties of the piece, and he was willing to visit with and teach our students in a number of venues."

Purposes:

• To foster the growth of and to cultivate audiences for Mainstream Literary Music* by having the composer speak about the music at the concert and in seminars.
• To encourage performers at all levels of development (elementary performing ensemble through professional) to experience the value of working closely with a composer of Mainstream Literary Music*.
• To encourage composer/performer interaction by having the composer and performers work closely during the rehearsal process.
• To enable musicians and non-musicians to learn from a respected and experienced composer, performer, and educator.
  
  • *Mainstream Literary Music is art music that is based on musical traditions established prior to the mid-20th century

Grant:

• Grant covers the cost of the travel, accommodations, meals, and music to be performed.
• The Co-op Press Residency Assistance Program is open to individuals and organizations in the continental United States.

Application Process:

• Apply using the printable application form
• The organization must plan to perform one or more compositions of Sy Brandon.
  
• Grants are awarded on a rotating basis. Applications should be submitted for programs taking place no sooner than three months after the date of application.
• Criteria for evaluating applications include the content of the proposal, and the quality of performance as illustrated by the recorded materials submitted. Each level of development will be evaluated on its own merit.
• Co-op Press reserves the right to not award a grant if there are no suitable candidates.
• Only persons or organizations who have never received a grant from Co-op Press are eligible to apply.
• Submitted materials will not be returned. Applicants will be notified of the results via e-mail or by regular mail within two weeks of receipt of the application.
• Questions regarding this grant or application process may be addressed to cooppress@comcast.net.