Voices of Change new music ensemble is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a 2008 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant under the American Masterpieces: “Three Centuries of Artistic Genius” Chamber Music initiative.

Voices of Change (VOC) has received $5,000 for a project called “American Music Live for Tomorrow’s Audiences.” The project will fund the presentation of four pieces performed during the subscription concert season at eight area schools. The funding will cover the costs of bringing composers and musicians into schools for a performance of a composition, and teaching the students about new music and the process of composition. NEA grant programs are all matching grants, so VOC is seeking to raise $5,000 for the project.

VOC Artistic Director Joe Illick says, “We are very excited to be recognized by the NEA for our work in the schools. The residencies will feature performances by outstanding musicians and will also provide stimulating discussion for the students. We hope that the students will become music lovers who will be our future audience.”

Each school program will cost over $1,000 each, so Voices of Change is thrilled to be able to provide this free of charge to eight selected schools in the Greater Dallas area. These programs will be in addition to the current ArtsPartners programs, which are paid for by DISD schools that have been given arts allowances by ArtsPartners. The grant will enable Voices of Change to expand its education programming to new heights.

In October, Dr. Robert Frank will bring his String Quartet No. 2 (…para mis amigos Mexicanos) to two DISD schools. In November, Native American History month, VOC will perform American Indian composer Jerod Tate’s Spirit Chief Names the Animal People (for woodwind trio, piano and narrator) at two schools. Tate says the piece is a Native version of “Peter and the Wolf”. In February, Anne Strickland’s new piece commissioned by VOC, Invisible Ink (working title), will be featured. And in April, VOC will present Stephen Hartke’s Oh, Them Rats is Mean in My Kitchen for 2 violins.

Voices of Change is currently in the process of identifying and selecting area schools to receive the performance/discussion presentations.

To make a donation in support of this program, please contact Voices of Change at 214.378.8670.