CSUF New Music Ensemble

CSUF New Music Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Pamela Madsen focuses on the instruction in the techniques of contemporary concert music, and preparation of small group performances of contemporary instrumental, vocal and electroacoustic chamber music literature from the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries. We study and perform a wide range of repertoire from the contemporary period: from, experimental, atonal, to extended tonal, minimalism, post-minimalism, post-modernism to multi-media collaboration, film music, deep listening and improvisational forms in an attempt to explore both the repertoire and performance practice in New Music. Students improve through rehearsal, learning new techniques and through engagement with guest composers and performers and practice strategies to develop critical evaluation of their own performances. Weekly rehearsal and coaching sessions are set up for each individual small chamber music group on a to be determined basis. At times, the chamber music group members themselves will be asked to create, arrange, or improvise scores, and engage in improvisatory practices.