Jenece Gerber earned a BA at Bowling Green State University (1995) in a self-designed program of study in Ethnomusicology with an emphasis in Music Composition and a minor in Women's Studies. MMus University of Akron (2005) in Music Composition. Also just a recital short of the MMus from the University of Akron in Vocal Performance. Beginning PhD work at SUNY Buffalo in Music Composition in Fall 2005.

Special studies in Balinese Music on Bali, Indonesia (summer 1993), 1995 National Winner of the MTNA/CPP-Belwin Student Composition Competition (collegiate division), member of ASCAP, SCI, AMC, and IAWM. Upcoming event: "Oregon Sketches" for solo piano to be performed at SCI National Convention in Greensboro, NC.

Currently serving as Teaching Assistant in Music Composition at Brevard Music Center (Summer 2005).


Thursday, June 23, 2005
The Heat is On

Yesterday nearly 400 students arrived. Only about 10 of those were composers. Of the total 13 composition students, three are returnees. Advanced Division composers start off today with a bang...grading theory placement tests! Students arrived yesterday to lemonade and cookies and reduced-priced garments for sale amidst the first hint of a heat wave since I've been here. And fitting, too, that this intense activity should all come with a change in weather. Those of us who arrived early have been basking in short lines and seating choices in the cafeteria and a plethora of practice rooms from which to choose. No such luck any longer...students started off with auditions early this morning and in a few minutes the Young Artist students will take theory placement exams. Hence, practice rooms and every available space including the lake are all game for last-minute efforts to impress.

Most of the composers can take it a bit easier. There are no auditions and our first official meeting is tomorrow afternoon. I took the trip into the town of Brevard today to do my laundry (it's either that or send it out, which is not particularly appealing today) and also I bought some supplies to spruce up the cabin. It's not bad as far as cabins go (in fact it is the best of such that I've seen), but its "rustic charm" needed a little modulation. The town of Brevard is a mile or two away, and is modern, friendly and even comes with choice of coffee shop. I didn't hesitate to find a good, strong cup of coffee...it cannot be found in the cafeteria.

I'm expecting all the composers to bow to their queen...I am not only the Teaching Assistant and the oldest composition student but I am, indeed, the only female composer present. In recent years there's been more and more representation by the female voice in the composition world, but apparently NOT this year at Brevard. I've promised the composer who brought his homemade theremin that if he stays on my good side I might put in a word for him, I'll keep you posted. Wonder what interesting music I might dream up to include the theremin?
posted by Jenece C. Gerber