Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Manage multiple re-grant programs for Minnesota composers; manage multiple programs to bring composers to the state to work with Minnesota-based performers; produce 25 new innova recordings; and facilitate seminars/salons for Minnesota composers for the reading/performance of new work. American Composers Forum conducts multi-dimensional observations which provide quantitative and qualitative data on the program's intended outcomes. Observation, surveys, online data collection, person-to-person interviews and informal feedback from affiliated groups are used in our regular practices. The data collected has practical application in program improvement and replication, future fundraising, and in building a reputation for quality programming. American Composers Forum staff, recognized for their expertise in the field and program knowledge, often act as a resource to members and partnering organizations in consulting about program design and evaluation. American Composers Forum has accumulated expertise in running artist residencies, and frequently coaches new groups through the process of commissioning and residency-based work. In addition, each American Composers Forum award grantee submits a final report on their fellowship, residency and/or project. 2: Continue training composers through Teaching Artist Training program; place teaching artists in Minnesota schools during 2012/2013 academic year; commission and distribute one new BandQuest and ChoralQuest piece designed for middle school students; and develop new curriculum to support BandQuest and ChoralQuest pieces for connection to non-arts study areas. The goal of these programs is to bring fresh music into schools and also provide accessibility for students to participate in the arts, reaching middle school students of all ethnicities and abilities. Partners such as those with Perpich Center for the Arts and Minnesota schools help promote our offerings to schools in Minnesota. The pieces and curriculum of BandQuest and ChoralQuest are published and promoted by Hal Leonard, and ongoing sales are tracked by American Composers Forum routinely. Evaluation feedback is collected from residency music directors and students, as well as oversight of the process by staff. American Composers Forum shares this information in a variety of ways. First and foremost, staff use the results to monitor and improve program design. Secondly, outcomes are shared with the Program and Education committees of the board and the full board where appropriate. Narratives are also shared via media in the form of press releases, quarterly e-newsletters, and an annual report.
Foster artistic development and community engagement for composers: American Composers Forum is a career resource for composers and creates connections with local communities. American Composers Forum managed programs for composers and brought composers to the state to work with Minnesota-based performers. In fiscal year 2013, 25 Minnesota artists received awards and three national programs awarded grants to 9 artists. Innova produced 25 new recordings. American Composers Forum facilitated seminars/salons for composers for the reading/performance of new work. The programs benefitting Minnesota artists are: McKnight Composer Fellowships, the Jfund Commissioning Program, the Minnesota Emerging Composers Awards and Live Music for Dance Minnesota. Awards are based on panel recommendations, and most offer a community engagement component. American Composers Forum also facilitates the Minnesota Emerging Composers Awards in such diverse sectors as electronic, jazz/improvisation and world music. Live Music for Dance Minnesota funds composer and choreography collaborations. 2: Inspire students with fresh music: American Composers Forum provides direct public benefit to students by bringing the creative process to life with meaningful musical experiences. American Composers Forum commissioned new pieces for middle school students and developed new curriculum for connection to non-arts study areas. BandQuest, American Composers Forum's series for middle school bands, now has twenty works including new releases from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts, and klezmer revivalist Hankus Netsky. ChoralQuest is American Composers Forum's newest education program aimed at middle school choirs. The Forum now has four works, by Stephen Paulus, Alice Parker, Jennifer Higdon and Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, available to students. New works and residencies are in development. Composer Rene Clausen will create a choral piece while in residence in Moorhead, Minnesota. Composer Jodie Blackshaw will create a new band piece in Rosemount, Minnesota. These pieces will be recorded by the Minnesota Boychoir and the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble.
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