Very Young Composers
January 2- 19, 2025
Online via Zoom
Camps, Fine Arts, See Marshfield Offerings, See Stevens Point Offerings, See Wausau Offerings
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Online via Zoom: January 2-15, 2025 | ​​Monday - Friday | 4 - 6 p.m.

​​In Person Rehearsal Dates: January 17 & 18, 2025 | Each composer will be assigned a 30 minute rehearsal time window. January 17th  between 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. and January 18th between 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Noel Fine Arts Center at UWSP

​In Person Celebration / Showcase: January 19, 2025 | 1 p.m.  | Noel Fine Arts Center at UWSP

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Registration Information

​As part of the application, each student is required to write a brief statement (50 words or fewer) saying why they would like to participate in this experience. After review of the applications, participants will be contacted with their acceptance status and next steps in how to enroll.​

There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee. The fee will be waived for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.   Due to high demand for this class, registration fees will not be collected until final class enrollment is determined. Once that determination is made (based on first-come, first-served), those paying the $30 fee will be given instructions on how to submit payment and enroll via CampDoc.​

The application process is closed. Please check your email for the status of your application.​

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Paper Application Form​

​What is the Very Young Composers Project?


Fourth and fifth grade students create original music aided by music students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. This is accomplished during a two-week, online, after-school class beginning January 2, 2025 and ending January 15, 2024. 

Virtual classes are held five days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) from 4-6 pm on-line.

 In-person rehearsals of the Young Composer’s compositions will be on Friday, January 17th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday, January 18th beginning at 1:00 pm ending at 7:00 pm.  On those days, each Young Composer will be assigned a 30-minute time window to attend the rehearsal of their composition.  

The in-person Celebration/Showcase of their compositions will be on Sunday, January 19th beginning at 1:00 pm.  The in-person rehearsal and Celebration/Showcase will be held in the Noel Fine Arts Center at UW-Stevens Point.

Who can enroll for the class?


Any fourth or fifth grade student from any public, private, or home school may register for the class. Prior music background is NOT required, only a desire to participate is needed! Enrollment is limited to 30 students and based on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to reserve your space! Registrations must be complete to be considered registered. Don't forget to submit a brief statement saying why you want to be part of this experience.

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​Who will lead the class?


The project is inspired by Jon Deak. He created the concept and has been directing the Very Young Composers Project for the New York Philharmonic and at international sites for over 20 years.

Past and present teachers in the project are Sandy Weyers, Schuyler Pietz, Emily Kiefer, Alli Gostomski, and Jeanette Colombe, veteran elementary school music teachers in the Stevens Point Area Public School District.

The program directors are  Alexandria Mueller and Robert Rosen (Professor Emeritus of the UWSP Music Department). 

UWSP Music majors will provide assistance by functioning as Teaching Artists under the guidance of the project leaders.

Project in New York-Meet Jon Deak, Project Leader

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​What are the technical requirements needed at home?


Required
  1. One of the following (in order of preference: desktop or notebook computer, iPad or other tablet, cell phone. Must be plugged into a power source or with sufficient power to last for the two-hour class. Device MUST have a front-facing camera/webcam.
  2. Stable internet access for live video meetings.
  3. A parent or guardian email account. If you do not have one, you can sign up for a free Gmail account HERE.
Recommended
  1. A Zoom account and Zoom software installed on your device. You can sign up for a free Zoom account HERE.
  2. Headphones
The class will be held online via Zoom-a virtual meeting place. Zoom links and messages will be sent via email. Files for musical scores and sound files will be available via a shared online folder.

Zoom Tutorial


Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page! 

​Electronic piano keyboard provided


Each student will be provided with an electronic piano keyboard that they will be able to take home. In December, a date and time will be announced when keyboards can be picked up from the Noel Fine Arts Center at UW-Stevens Point. This process will be accomplished while wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. A similar process will be utilized when returning the keyboards at the end of the three-week program.

​Attendance policies


Parents are asked to call or text Robert Rosen at (715) 498-0032 if their child will miss a class due to illness or family emergency. Otherwise, attendance is expected at all class.

Contact Information


For more information, contact:

Alexandria Mueller, Associate Director, 920-340-4891 or alexandria.m.mueller@gmail.com​ ​
Robert Rosen, UWSP Department of Music, 715-498-0032 or rrosen@uwsp.edu.

For assistance with registration, contact UWSP Continuing Education Customer Service at 715-346-3838 or for faster services email at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.

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Very Young Composers of Central Wisconsin is sponsored by Very Young Composers, Inc. and by:


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Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. 
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.
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Email List​

Very Young Composers Program Awards and Distinctions

The UWSP Very Young Composers of Central Wisconsin has been a repeat recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Faculty Emeritus Robert Rosen, Executive Director of the program since its inception in 2010, expressed his delight of the support and national attention this program has received. "This the third time we have received an award and the accompanying recognition from this prestigious organization. It serves as validation of the quality and unique contribution or program brings to Central Wisconsin." 

The VYC program has distinguished itself as being the 2nd program to be established in the country and has a direct affiliation with the New York Philharmonic. Of the more than 60 programs that have been established throughout the country and around the world, the UWSP VYC Program is the only one connected with a university. UWSP music students are directly involved in the teaching process, a wonderful experiential opportunity for those who are planning a career as music educators. Faculty and experienced music teachers from the Stevens Point Area Public Schools provide guidance to the UWSP students as they work with 4th and 5th graders from throughout the region who are involved in the program. 

The mission of the program is "to provide an interactive pathway for children to listen, explore, and reveal the essence of their own voice through the creation of original music."  The program is sponsored and governed by Very Young Composers, Inc., with financial and additional support from the ASCAP Foundation Irving Ceaser Fund, Stevens Point Area Public School District, Art Works, Sentry Invitation to the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, and additional support from private donors.