Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Rick Robinson of Detroit Symphony Orchestra Wins '2010 Kresge Artist Fellowship for composition'


[Rick Robinson on Rooftop and in School]

AfriClassical congratulates Rick Robinson on the latest recognition of his distinctive artistic contribution to Southeast Michigan:

Woodward Consulting, LLC:
2010 Kresge Artist Fellow
Bassist and Composer Rick Robinson
He's been a man on a mission for much of the last two decades, bringing his musical message to new audiences, both young and old, hoping to win them over to the amazing world of orchestral music. This past week, the Kresge Foundation recognized Rick Robinson, longtime Bassist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), with a 2010 Kresge Artist Fellowship for composition. His classical works are a blend of expressive neo-Romanticism with Latin, gospel and blues influences. The funding will support Rick's activities as a composer, a high-quality recording of his works, and his participation in a Kresge Artist professional development program.

But Rick also has an ambitious vision for orchestra education, made possible through a fiscal sponsorship by the New York Foundation for the Arts. His program CutTime Goes Back to School will offer a series of in-school performances and workshops for kids across Southeast Michigan. CutTime is the name of Rick's chamber music ensembles featuring several principal players of the DSO.

"'I want to show kids why classical music is so much fun and that making music is empowering,' says Rick. 'I was lucky to grow up in Highland Park Public Schools when music programs were still strong. Now, few kids hear ANY live music much less an orchestra. If we can play some of the works they already hear bits of, and talk passionately to them about what it's like to develop the skills to play something so hard, then we will make some indelible impressions.'

"CutTime Goes Back to School
New York Foundation for the Arts Fundraising
The New York Foundation for the Arts has endorsed Rick's education plan with a fiscal sponsorship providing tax-deductibility to all donations. His goal is to visit 17 schools for the 17th anniversary of the CutTime Players. Concerts and master classes will be presented at schools in Detroit and throughout the tri-county area. 'I'll call select elementary, middle and high schools to offer our services at no cost,' says Rick. 'The number of students we'd serve would depend on the school, but could vary from 80 music students to entire student bodies of 800.' 'We tailor our presentations, guided by the music teacher or principal, to inspire and dazzle students. We try to tap into kids' imaginations with music ranging from Peter and the Wolf and Ride of the Valkyries, from Mozart and Beethoven, to jazz and ragtime.'"

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