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WoCo Fest 2023: Awaken
DAYTIME IN THE MANSION
Sat, May 6, beginning at 11am In the Mansion at Strathmore
Join us for a day of music and discussion from inspirational leaders using music for social change and community engagement. We can’t wait to welcome Sound Impact, Sophia Subbayya Vastek, Dr. Leah Claiborne, Britton-René Collins, and more to Strathmore. Your ticket grants access to all events in The Mansion, including our Education Booths.
The Education Booths include a range of one-on-one sessions and consultations with local organizations and experts covering topics such as self-branding, free headshots, finding repertoire by historically underrepresented composers, entrepreneurship, and other professional development topics. Sign up today at the bottom of this page, and get ready to learn, grow, and have fun!
CLICK EACH EVENT TO LEARN MORE
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Tiffany and Abbie provide an interactive, rejuvenating, and invigorating experience through guided yoga practice and live improvised harp music. Tiffany, a leading role in the yoga scene in the DMV, pairing yoga practice guidance with Abbie, a DC-based professional harpist, the two will create an experience that will start your day on an innovative path! Abbie will start the session by leading the group in a melody-writing experience, and will then interweave the melody into the accompaniment music while Tiffany goes on to guide the practice. We hope you enjoy centering yourself in this creative pairing of yoga and live harp!
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Sound Impact programs celebrate historically underrepresented voices in classical music. Today's program PIONEERS showcases the works of influential female composers of the 19th & 20th century: Lili Boulanger, Rebecca Clarke and Fanny Mendelssohn, taking its audience on a musical journey through the unique perspectives of these trailblazing women.
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Sophia Vastek with Masha Polishchuk
Pianist-composer Sophia Subbayya Vastek, with violinist Masha Polishchuk, perform a program dedicated to pioneering composer Lili Boulanger (1893-1918), the first woman to win the Prix de Rome. Vastek, who has been described as performing with "passion and profound tenderness” (Second Inversion) and as "skillful, sensitive" (Steve Smith, Night after Night), will present Boulanger's complete works for solo piano, which she recorded on her album 'Lili' (2020). The program will also include the complete chamber works for violin and piano, for which Sophia will be joined by Polishchuk, a passionate chamber musician who has performed on such stages as Carnegie Hall and David Geffen Hall, as well as across the globe.
This session is sponsored by Robin Strongin in honor of Brian Strongin.
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In this discussion, we delve into a research and ethics-driven approach to authentically contextualize the lives, legacies, and music of gender-marginalized, African diasporic, and other creatives historically excluded from classrooms and concert halls. Explore new databases, including Boulanger Initiative’s Database, and the power of archival research to build programs with meaning and impact.
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One of the first solo piano pieces published by a Black American woman was written 130 years ago! This recital celebrates 130 years of contributions that Black American women have made in piano literature. Dr. Claiborne will highlight different styles, genres, and time periods to showcase the magnificent breadth and scope of Black American Women composers.
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Join award-winning percussionist Britton-René Collins in a sound immersion featuring the incredible works of contemporary women composers that have made important contributions to modern percussion repertoire. This program includes exciting interdisciplinary techniques such as solo percussion with electronics, voice/speaking, and more.
EDUCATION BOOTHS
WoCo Fest ticket holders will have access to a variety of educational booths with a range of one-on-one sessions and consultations with local organizations and experts covering topics such as self-branding, free headshots, finding repertoire by historically underrepresented composers, entrepreneurship, and other professional development topics. Read more and sign up below!
Boulanger Initiative Repertoire Consultations with BI Research Team Members
Musicians, ensembles, teachers, professors, and presenting organizations all know the value of sharing works by a diversity of composers, but finding women and other gender-diverse composers for your event, program, or project is easier said than done. Sign up for a short consulting session with BI’s consultants.
Virtual sign-ups have ended. Please sign up in-person on Saturday.
Free headshots with M3 Mitchell Media
Get your own headshots for free! M3 | Mitchell Media & Marketing, founded by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell II, supports creatives, arts organizations, and beyond with personalized multimedia production and digital marketing consulting. This is the perfect opportunity to update your professional profile or social media presence!
Virtual sign-ups have ended. Please sign up in-person on Saturday.
The Music of You: "Tidbit Sessions" with Eva Cappelletti Chao
Eva Cappelletti Chao is a Professional Violinist & Certified Life Coach specifically for Classical Musicians. She understands first-hand the challenges that are specific to our training and discipline, and she has the training, the perspective, and the skills to help.
Serving clients internationally with private and group coaching, Eva helps musicians transform their lives by creating spaces to voice experiences, find new perspectives, and be guided to their OWN answers; empowering musicians to move forward with clarity, integrity, and purpose toward the life they want onstage & off.
Virtual sign-ups have ended. Please sign up in-person on Saturday.
Individu.art: Consulting Sessions with Erica Bondarev Rapach
individu.art adds value to what you do by increasing your visibility and shaping your messaging to help you achieve your professional and artistic goals.
Get advice on how to build your best lifestylestorybrand strategy, grow your virtual presence to ensure you are cultivating meaningful and long-lasting relationships with your customers and stakeholders, bring your creative vision to life online, and be a part of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Virtual sign-ups have ended. Please sign up in-person on Saturday.
Boulanger Initiative and WoCo Fest 2023: Awaken is supported in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Strathmore, the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Potter Violins, Robin Strongin, Alan and Anne Ledbetter, Capitol Percussion, Pamela and Paul Sieving, Maryland State Arts Council, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and The Alice M. Ditson Fund.
