Students of the MU228 Music and the Museum class perform their final class project of a special piece for bowed piano at the FAC. This was part of a larger art exhibition organized by the class taught by Dr. Lidia Chang.

Mannes Sounds: The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds; A chamber opera by Ofer Ben-Amots based on the play by S. Ansky
Directed by Stephen Brown-Fried
YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Monday, Mar. 31 and Tuesday Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Presented by the College of Performing Arts at The New School, New York, NY.
Through his haunting and evocative score, Ofer Ben-Amots offers an operatic retelling of S. Ansky’s masterpiece of the Yiddish theatrical canon. Wracked with grief for her beloved, Leah, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, recounts her love of a young scholar who died on learning of her betrothal to another man. On the day of the wedding, she becomes possessed by an evil spirit, known in Jewish folklore as a dybbuk. In order to exorcise the spirit and save Leah’s soul, the village must learn the spirit’s true origin. In partnership with the American Society of Jewish Music and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, directed by Stephen Brown-Fried and performed by students from Mannes and the College of Performing Arts, The Dybbuk is certain to excite your spirits!

Upon listening to “Mystic People,” the first track on Gilligan Moss’s album Speaking Across Time, the listener is filled with a sense of carefree euphoria. With its upbeat tempo, bubbly electronic sounds, and sampled electronic female vocals, the songs on this album reflect the songwriters’ lighthearted and positive outlooks on life. Gilligan Moss is a two-person group with Evan Dorfman and CC Alum, Ben Cronin, ’11. The CC Music Department had the distinct pleasure of bringing in Cronin as a guest artist and instructor during Block 5’s Digital Music Production class with professors Dr. Iddo Aharony and CC’s Technical Director, Schylar Woods.

Cronin is a New York-based musician who grew up in Chicago. At CC, he majored in Creative Writing on the poetry track, participated in outdoor activities, and joined a band that performed at Llamapalooza twice, won Battle of the Bands twice, and played in the First Friday concerts. He also had a radio show on KRCC. Cronin states the reason he didn’t study music at CC was due to the intensity of the jazz program at the time, and the feeling that it would have limited his creativity. Instead, he found limitless creativity in writing and poetry, and spoke highly of English Professor Emeritus and Colorado Poet Laureate, David Mason – the inspiration for Speaking Across Time – as well as Heather Powell Browne who was, and still is, a music blog writer and the Associate Director of Global Education at CC.

Cronin believes in creating success through pursuing your passions and staying true to your intentions. When asked about how CC shaped his career and future, he turns to the “tired but true” response that the Block Plan helped him cultivate a lifestyle where it’s okay to focus on just one or two projects at a time and take breaks. He says, “I would be a different person if I had done a more traditional semester plan.” The Block Plan immerses students in subject matter where amazingly they can learn a completely new skill or subject in just a few weeks. Over the course of the Digital Music Production class, students go from having never used the digital music software Ableton Live to producing their own music and tracks. Cronin also speaks about the many opportunities that CC offers, and that if there’s any advice he can give to incoming or current students, it’s that experimenting in your early years is key, and networking and getting to know people is incredibly valuable. “Every industry and job is really enriched by listening more widely and participating more widely.”

Cronin is now back in New York continuing to work on his projects, but he gladly offers himself as a resource to anyone in the CC community. He looks forward to visiting campus again soon.

Ben Cronin

benjicronin@gmail.com

Continuing the Creative Life After CC: Performing Arts Alumni Panel
Monday, Feb. 24, noon-1:15 p.m.
Cornerstone 308
Come learn about the post-CC journeys and challenges of three alums – Wirth Tinka Avramova, Clay Edwards, and Max Sarkowsky – who have established careers in the performing arts! Includes time for Q&A, and a sandwich buffet for attendees. Sponsored by the Career Center and the departments of Music and Theatre & Dance. 

Music Senior Capstone Presentations
Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Packard Hall
Music major seniors present their creative and research works followed by time for questions from the audience after each. A celebratory reception will conclude this event.

Family Weekend Music Ensembles Showcase
Friday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
Packard Hall
Experience the talent of CC’s music ensembles in a dynamic showcase featuring a variety of performances from our student musicians.

USAFA Band Chamber Recital Series: “Music for Brass and Woodwinds”
Monday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
Packard Hall
For over 60 years, the Academy Band has used the power of music to honor our nation and our veterans, inspire patriotism, and connect the United States Air Force with our local community. In addition, they provide support to the United States Air Force Academy and more than 4,000 cadets, helping to develop outstanding leaders of character to serve our country as officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.

Music at Midday
Wednesday, Mar. 5 at 12:15 p.m.
Packard Hall
Featuring CC’s students as they perform solo and chamber instrumental and vocal works. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the variety and talent of our students!