Appointment Announcement: New Lead for UCLA Gluck Fellows Program
In a commendable effort to bring music into unconventional spaces and foster a sense of community, Decoda, a collective of talented musicians, recently recorded a portrait concert of composer Xiao Bao He. This concert was designed to bring music to dehumanized spaces, such as hospices, schools, and shelters for the unhoused.
Decoda's origins trace back to the Ensemble Connect, a postgraduate training program jointly run by Carnegie Hall and the Juilliard School. The group's mission to create a more compassionate and connected world through music led to their affiliation with Carnegie Hall.
The success of Decoda's first CD, which has received stellar reviews, including a nod from the New York Times, is attributed to its eclectic repertoire and a new work from Valerie Coleman. The CD's success underscores Decoda's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional music and engaging diverse audiences.
The Gluck Fellows Program, though specific details about its UCLA iteration are scarce, is typically associated with the Max H. Gluck Foundation. These programs often focus on community outreach and engagement, supporting projects that benefit local communities. If a UCLA Gluck Fellows Program exists, it would likely align with promoting community engagement and arts education, though confirmation would need to be sought from UCLA or the program itself.
The Gluck Fellows Program is set to introduce a new group of Fellows in Fall 2024, with a focus on building bridges between ensembles for shared experiences. Performers are reminded that audiences are diverse, and their job is to create an inviting listening experience.
A heartwarming example of this commitment to community engagement was seen earlier this spring, when a former trombonist at an aged care facility was engaged during a performance by the Gluck Horn Quartet.
The artist's role, according to sources, is not just to find audiences, but to cultivate connection and community. Decoda and the Gluck Fellows Program, in their unique ways, are working towards this goal, bringing music to unexpected places and fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
In the pursuit of cultivating connection and community, Decoda, an ensemble originating from the Ensemble Connect, has expanded their reach beyond conventional venues, organizing music performances in schools, hospices, and shelters for the unhoused as part of their education-and-self-development initiatives. Simultaneously, the Gluck Fellows Program, with a focus on community outreach, seeks to introduce a new group of Fellows in Fall 2024, aiming to foster entertainment through shared experiences and bridge the gap between ensembles, thereby creating a more diverse and inclusive artistic environment.
