Composer Collaboration Project

Composer Collaboration Project 2025–26!

We’re thrilled to continue the Fergus Falls Composer Collaboration Project for the 2025–26 school year! This year, our talented 8th grade band students will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with acclaimed composer Kelijah Dunton. This innovative project will not only enhance their musical education but also give them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of creating an original work written just for them.

Here’s what makes this project so special:

Direct Composer Interaction: Students will engage directly with Kelijah Dunton through virtual sessions, exploring the creative process from first ideas to final notes. They’ll get an inside look at how a professional composer shapes a piece of music from concept to completion.

Student Input: The voices of our students will shape the new composition. Through discussions and feedback, Kelijah will integrate their ideas, making them true collaborators in the creative process.

Professional Mentorship: Students will have the opportunity to ask Kelijah questions — from music-specific topics to personal inspirations — fostering a meaningful connection with the artist.

Performance Feedback: As the piece takes shape, students will receive performance tips, interpretation guidance, and encouragement directly from Kelijah, strengthening their skills and confidence.

Unique Premiere: The commissioned work will be completed in March and premiered in May 2026 at the Kennedy Auditorium in Fergus Falls. This premiere will showcase the creativity and dedication of our students while giving the community a fresh, world-class musical experience.

Community Engagement: The Composer Collaboration Project connects our schools, local arts organizations, and supporters, underscoring the importance of arts education in Fergus Falls and beyond.

Join us in supporting this exciting project! Your contribution helps fund this commission and ensures that our students can continue to experience the thrill of working with living composers. Together, let’s make the 2025–26 school year unforgettable with the Composer Collaboration Project!

We're thrilled to unveil the Fergus Falls Composer Collaboration Project for the 2024-25 school year! This year, our talented students will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the acclaimed composer Kelijah Dunton. This innovative project will not only enhance their musical education but also offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of the creation of an original musical work.

Here's what makes this project so special:

1. Direct Composer Interaction: Students will engage directly with Kelijah Dunton via Zoom sessions, diving deep into the creative process from idea generation to sketching and refining musical concepts. This hands-on experience will give students a rare insight into how a professional composer works.

2. Student Input: Our students' musical tastes and creative ideas will shape the new composition. Through surveys and interactive sessions, Kelijah will integrate student feedback, making them integral to the creation process.

3. Professional Mentorship: Students will have the chance to ask Kelijah questions, ranging from music-specific inquiries to personal interests, fostering a deeper connection to the art form and the artist.

4. Performance Feedback: After experimenting with the new work, students will receive performance guidance and encouragement from Kelijah, enhancing their musical skills and interpretive abilities.

5. Unique Premiere: The original composition will be delivered in March and premiered in May at the Kennedy Auditorium in Fergus Falls. This premiere will not only showcase our students' hard work and creativity but also provide the community with a fresh and innovative musical experience.

6. Community Engagement: This project will strengthen community ties, involving local schools, arts organizations, and businesses, and highlighting the importance of supporting the arts in our region.

Don't miss out on this incredible journey of musical discovery and creation! Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating the artistic achievements of our students. Together, let's make the 2024-25 school year unforgettable with the Composer Collaboration Project!