On Nov. 12, SUNY New Paltz’s New Music Ensemble had their first performance. They performed compositions created by contemporary and student composers. The performance and the ensemble was led by Dr. Phyllis Chen, a SUNY New Paltz professor in musical theory and composition as well as an acclaimed composer and music scholar. The event was held at Studley Theater at 7:30 p.m.
The first composition was “Clapping Music” by Steve Reich. This piece was entirely made up of the sound of the performers’ clapping hands, as implied by its title. The clapping rhythm began the same for each performer, but as the piece continued, small but noticeable changes were made to each individual’s clapping pattern. The simplicity of the piece was admirable as was the connectivity the performers displayed, performing as a true ensemble of musicians with a beautiful flow. Although the minimalist composition of the piece only varied slightly from performer to performer, those alterations in rhythm made the performance of “Clapping Music” into a display of musicality and talent on the parts of the student musicians.
Next was a piece titled “13 Changes” by Pauline Oliveros, a composer who died in 2016. It was performed by the Experiments in Composition class, a class that teaches experimental practices in music beyond the 1960s. At first, the instruments emerged separately, creating a suspenseful start to the piece. The amount of noise became almost overwhelming but not unpleasant, as the many instruments in use came together. It was as if each instrument was trying to make itself heard, almost like an argument where everyone involved cannot help but raise their voice. It sounded like an ambient track which used experimental methods to create sounds. An acoustic guitar body was used by one student performer who tapped on the side of the guitar to create rhythmic noise. Another unexpected sound was the shushing sound utilized by vocalist and student Emma McCoy throughout the composition, her clear and emotional singing filling the theater. “13 Changes” was angelic in its quiet moments, then became dramatic with intensity within seconds.
The next piece presented was “In C,” a composition by Terry Riley. Riley’s piece just celebrated its 60th birthday, originally composed in 1964. A few professors, including Rebecca Coup Franks on trumpet, joined for the performance of “In C.” The use of electronic and acoustic instruments together created a stunning collective sound. The piece started off slow and steady, much like the other two compositions, and the pace of the music gradually sped up. The sound created by the pianist and drummer was akin to that of a racing heartbeat. In “In C,” each musician held a distinct role in the performance, all working to create a landscape of noise that kept the audience engaged. The eyes of the audience members were glued to the stage throughout the whole piece, despite it being a longer one. The string instruments, particularly the violins, captured attention toward the end of the piece. Some violinists plucked the strings of their instruments instead of using their bows. The intensity of the sound created by the string instruments as the piece was brought to a resolution was compelling. The care and dedication that clearly went into a piece of such length is also worth recognizing.
Two compositions created by SUNY New Paltz students concluded the performances. The first was “Echoes” by Elizabeth Margit, a stunningly delicate piece that speaks to Margit’s musical talent. Then “Confluence” by student Julian Slavin followed, an aptly titled composition due to the beautiful merging of sounds by the student performers who took on the piece. They embodied confidence in their intensity as they moved through Slavin’s composition. The inclusion of student compositions was exciting and heartwarming, as the audience saw the effort each student performer poured into the compositions of their peers.
First-year student Ella Joy came to see the New Music Ensemble and was inspired by the inclusion of the works of student composers. She enjoyed the suspenseful nature of Slavin’s “Confluence” and said, “The fact that it was a student’s work made it more epic to watch.” Joy also shared that they think concerts at the Studley Theater should be more widely advertised across campus because of the importance of celebrating our community and local musicians.
It was a rewarding evening of experimental sound and live music. It was hard not to appreciate the talents of SUNY New Paltz students and music professors with their talents on full display.
The Fall 2024 Concert Series hosted by the SUNY New Paltz Music Department, “Music Without Borders,” is still ongoing, and tickets are free for SUNY New Paltz students for the upcoming performance in the Fall 2024 Concert Series.