GVSU New Music Ensemble at 20: a special concert and celebration of alumni

The critically acclaimed GVSU New Music Ensemble is celebrating some important round numbers at an upcoming concert at the Grand Rapids Art Museum: the 20th anniversary of the group and the 100th commissioned composition.

The concert on November 8 will also include performances from alumni who have helped shape this group known for both its innovative music and innovative presentations, such as its multiple tours of national parks playing specially commissioned pieces that reflect a park's features.

For Bill Ryan, the director of the ensemble that has gained global recognition and carved a niche in the classical music scene , the concert is an opportunity to reflect on two decades of success with some of those musicians – more than 200 now – who have played a role in the New Music Ensemble's accolades. 

"It's a celebration for the audience," Ryan said. "We love to share what we do, but I think it's going to be especially fun for us and the former members to gather and make music again together, like we did so many years ago."

A key part of Ryan's approach with the New Music Ensemble is to have the musicians play in a variety of settings and before different audiences. He is excited for the opportunity to perform at GRAM .

“The Grand Rapids Art Museum is thrilled to partner with Grand Valley State University’s New Music Ensemble during Discovery Day,” said Christopher Bruce-Karel, GRAM deputy director for Art, Learning, and Engagement. “The Museum is the perfect setting for people to experience how visual art and live music can spark one another. We hope visitors leave inspired to keep exploring and creating in their own lives.”

Another signature feature of the New Music Ensemble is commissioning compositions for performance, and this concert will present the 100th such commission, from frequent collaborator Marc Mellits. Ryan said it is important to him as a composer to highlight fellow composers, noting, "There's no show without the music."

"I wanted to do what I could do to cultivate new music coming into this world, to be an advocate for these composers in our little corner," Ryan said. "I want my students to have the opportunity to work with a living composer as they bring a brand new piece into existence."

Ryan said one of the most fulfilling aspects of this 20-year journey is watching the students come together with enthusiasm to share this music with any audience.

That camaraderie and atmosphere was gratifying as a student and helped open doors to many experiences, said Niko Schroeder, '17, who worked as a sound engineer for the group and plans to participate in the anniversary concert.

"What was really exceptional for me is that Bill does such a good job of gathering a unique group of individuals who are all interested in contemporary repertoire and who are all great people to learn with – which is of critical importance when you're going to sit in a car together for 14 hours to drive to a show in Utah," Schroeder said. "It was really a fertile environment to learn in, where I gained so many important skills not only as a sound engineer, but as a rehearser and more."

Ashley Stanley, '14, traces several important aspects of her life to her experience with the New Music Ensemble, from the creative habits she developed that help her with teaching middle school language arts to following various musical pursuits to the hiking she developed a passion for on a national parks tour.

Stanley said it is interesting that the piece the alumni will play in the concert is the same one that a New Music Ensemble album was based upon that drew Stanley to GVSU and ultimately the New Music Ensemble.

"The New Music Ensemble was a place where you could show up as yourself and experiment with style. It doesn't matter if you’re playing with a member who was in the ensemble before or after you, there’s just an inclusive vibe," said Stanely, who fondly recalled experimental after-hours shows created by students outside their regular concerts.

"The energy of the ensemble, and of the composition studio, was so palpable and special. As students, we were all in and we wanted more of it," she said.

More GVSU performers on November 8

Besides the New Music Ensemble's performance, the GRAM Discovery Day on will also feature a performance by Sookyung Cho, associate professor of piano, and her students .

They will be performing three pieces written for four pianists on one piano. Their album, titled "1 Piano 8 Hands," was released in August.