Sō Percussion Summer Institute

We are thrilled to announce SōSI 2023, our 15th annual Sō Percussion Summer Institute!

SōSI will be held July 16-30, 2023. We hope you will join us!

SōSI 2023

Program Overview

The Sō Percussion Summer Institute (SōSI) brings together ambitious composers and performers for two weeks in July 2023 on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, NJ, to learn and perform in a hands-on environment with the world-renowned ensemble Sō Percussion and their collaborators.

15TH Anniversary Celebration! 

We can’t believe SōSI has been going strong for 15 years! The more than 350 alumni of SōSI have contributed so much to the percussive world since we started in 2009. For SōSI 2023, we are going to continue looking ahead to the future of new ideas in percussion music, as well as bringing back music written during past festivals. We will also be celebrating 10 years of the composition program by featuring the percussion music of our Director of Composition Andrea Mazzariello.

This unique two-week program allows participants to experience Sō Percussion’s processes for creating and premiering new work firsthand. SōSI features mentorship from the members of Sō Percussion, our composition faculty, a diverse array of guest artists, our artist-in-residence, Princeton faculty, and other special guests.

As in past years, percussion students at SōSI will be placed in groups to perform in numerous concerts and masterclasses throughout the two weeks. Composition students will study with Andrea Mazzariello as well as with members of Sō Percussion & guest faculty. Both undergraduate and graduate composers are welcome to apply. Composition parameters and guidelines are available through the application portal.

Applicants should apply in only one category; however, those with an interest in both performing and composing are invited to inquire about opportunities to explore both during the Summer Institute. Email us at adam@sopercussion.com.

Guests and Faculty

The past years of the Summer Institute have included masterclasses, talks, and performances with a great number of amazing artists. Past guests and Faculty include; Caroline Shaw, Bora Yoon, Shara Nova, Paul Lansky, Steve Mackey, Kaoru Watanabe, Dan Trueman, Gerion and Kendall Williams, Steve Reich, Steve Schick, Angélica Negrón, Dan Deacon, JiHye Jung, Martin Schmidt (of Matmos), Juri Seo, Lukas Ligeti, Maria Finkelmeir, Shodekeh Talifero, Grey McMurray, Cenk Ergun, NEXUS, Joan Tower, Tristan Perich, Suzanne Farrin, Mark Dancigers, Dennis Desantis, Sarah Kirkland Snider, and more!

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition and Room and Board for SōSI 2023: $2800

Price as listed covers tuition, housing, and lunch/dinner from check-in July 16th to check-out July 30th (non-refundable, due in full by June 1st). Students should bring money or supplies for breakfast. All rooms include air conditioning and communal kitchens. Off-campus housing is possible in some cases; however, all students are required to participate in the provided meal plan. Contact Adam Sliwinski at adam@sopercussion.com for more information. 

  • Students wishing to live off-campus must find their own housing. 
  • Tuition for Students living Off-Campus – $2,000

Scholarships:

Scholarships for the Sō Percussion Summer Institute are available through application via the application portal. Scholarships range from $250 – $1,400. Sō Percussion offers 3 types of scholarships. You may apply for any and all scholarship opportunities that you are eligible for. 

  • General Scholarship 
  • BIPOC Scholarship
  • Composition Assistant Scholarship

The Institute’s Mission

The emergence of the percussion group as a standard ensemble has been one of the most exciting developments in contemporary music. Sō Percussion was formed to expand this important voice in the 21st century.

Since its inception in 1999, education has become an increasingly important part of Sō’s mission. Its members share a firm belief that inherent in an artist’s career is a responsibility to pass on practical advice and mentorship to young artists. The Sō Percussion Summer Institute seeks to fulfill this promise by providing a unique educational opportunity to percussionists and composers at one of the most critical stages of their development. The program offers a hands-on experience that brings the practical and theoretical together:

      • Commissioning/Creating new music
      • Fruitful collaboration with and among artists
      • The rehearsal and development process
      • Performance

The 2023 Sō Percussion Summer Institute is supported by New Music USA’s Organizational Development Fund with support in part from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, with support from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Support for the Organization Development Fund is also provided by contributions from the New Music USA endowment. 

Apply

Apply Here

Email adam@sopercussion.com with questions and inquiries.

Events

More events info coming soon!

Would you like to join our SōSI Producer’s Circle?

Sō Percussion is incredibly grateful to all of our supporters. Our Producers provide direct support to more than 40 students, who will study at the Sō Percussion Summer Institute with Sō Percussion and affiliated artists. With support from individuals like you, this program will cultivate productive and meaningful experiences for artists and audiences alike. Please contact Adam Sliwinski at adam@sopercussion.com for more information. 

Scholarships

Each year, thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, Sō Percussion awards partial scholarships through application to attend the Sō Percussion Summer Institute.

Scholarships for the Sō Percussion Summer Institute are available through application via the application portal. Scholarships range from $250 – $1,400.

We are thrilled to provide multiple scholarship opportunities available through application under the following:

  • Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC) fund. 
  • Composition Assistant Scholarship fund
  • General Scholarship fund

You may apply for all scholarship opportunities in which you are eligible. Eligibility guidelines will be available on the application portal.

Support

Donations to the Sō Percussion Summer Institute go directly to benefit the students tuition of the program.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our festival.

Donate to SōSI

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Special thanks to:
The Brookby Foundation
Cyndee and Larry Snider
Sara Coffey and Dave Snyder
Jackie and John Treuting
Princeton University Department of Music
Sarah Kirkland Snider
Brian Johnson
Zildjian Cymbals
Pearl Drums/Adams Musical Instruments
Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets
Remo Drumheads
Estey Organ Company

Sō Percussion wishes to thank the following individuals for their generous support:
The Brookby Foundation, The Aaron Copland Fund, The American Music Project, The Amphion Foundation, The Ditson Fund, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Thendara Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts: Art Works, The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, The Composers Guild of New Jersey, The ASCAP Foundation, New Music USA’s NYC New Music Impact Fund, made possible with funding from The Scherman Foundation’s Katharine S. and Axel G. Rosin Fund, Sara Coffey and Dave Snyder, David Oswald, Russell Makowsky, John and Astrid Baumgardner, Stephen Myers, Hank McNeil, Larry and Cyndee Snider, Charles and Susan Snyder, John and Jackie Treuting, Mark Applebaum, William Armstrong, Yuki Asada, Dan Baldini, Elizabeth Beach, Nathaniel Beck, John H. Beck, Michael and Becky Bennett, Walter (Hudie) Broughton, Zac Brunell, Robyn and Paul Buxton, Kristin Cahill, William Cahn, Tyler Carpenter, Eileen Carr, Christina Carroll, Elliot Cole, Terry and Guadalupe De Vries, Matthew and Lara Dudack, Candace Dwan, Rachel Elson, Dorothea Endicott, Cenk Ergun, Widder Foundation, Stuart Gerber, Lisa Goldberg, David and Jennifer Gordon, Ain Gordon, Carolyn Graham, Marcy Gunnell, Inez and David Gutman, Jonathan Haas, Carol and Richard Haas, James Hanbury, James Heller, Lisa Iceman, Jonathan Kaledin, Ayano Kataoka, Will Keith, Christina Kershner, David Lang, Paul and Hannah Lansky, John A. Leppman, Martin Bresnick and Lisa Moore, Diana Loomer, Alex MacKay, Benjamin Maldonado, Richard and Jayne Marchioni, Edward G. Freitag Martha B. Haley Family Foundation, James McKenzie, Jacqueline Meyers, Josh Milstein, Jane Noyes, Tristan Perich, Roger Phillips, David M. Phipps, Sughra Raza, Michael and Marlene Rosen, Nicole Serratore, Andrew Siegel, Eve Sliwinski, Sarah Snider, Susan Sontag, Jane Stewart, Jonathan Szanto, Margaret Travers, David Weller, Mary J. Wensel, Roger Zahab.

Would you like to join our SōSI Producer’s Circle?

Sō Percussion is incredibly grateful to all of our supporters. Our Producers provide direct support to more than 40 students, who will study at the Sō Percussion Summer Institute with Sō Percussion and affiliated artists. With support from individuals like you, this program will cultivate productive and meaningful experiences for artists and audiences alike. Please contact Adam Sliwinski at adam@sopercussion.com for more information.

Participation Options

SōSI 2023 offers multiple participation options for anyone needing a flexible schedule and budget:

1. SōSI 2023

2. Audit individual masterclasses with guest faculty
Cost – $20 per session
Join as many sessions as you would like in person or through our live-stream.

2023 Audit Schedule coming soon!

 

Alumni

After 14 amazing years of SōSI, we have quite a roster of alumni, many of whom have gone on to form their own groups and pursue unique musical interests.  Some of them sent along websites where you can learn more about everything they are doing.


TIGUE: alumni of SōSI 2009

Internship

Each year, an amazing team of interns helps us keep this extremely complicated festival going!  Interns join the Sō Percussion team and help us organize gear and other logistics, produce concerts, and keep the ship running day to day. Check out the details below!

SŌ  PERCUSSION SUMMER INSTITUTE INTERNSHIP

SEASONAL – CONTRACTED
 Sō Percussion is excited to offer an internship for college-level percussionists, musicians, composers, or anyone else interested in learning how a chamber music festival operates in today’s musical climate. The Sō Percussion Summer Institute (SōSI) is an intensive two-week chamber music seminar for college-age percussionists and composers. The four members of Sō Percussion serve as faculty alongside guest faculty in leading and educating by rehearsal, performance, and discussion of contemporary music. SōSI will be held in person at Princeton University from July 16-30, 2023.*

As a SōSI Intern you are expected to support the SōSI team with guidance from the SōSI Programs Director and Sō Percussion. We’re looking for interns that are enthusiastic, proactive, and can handle a lot as well as stay calm and collected under pressure. 

INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES AND WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: 

  • How to effectively assist with management and production of an in person and remote summer festival;
  • Maintaining and management of all gear and logistics during the festival;
  • Logistics of concert production and stage management;
  • Interfacing with guest artist, production teams, and donors;
  • Assisting with social media and marketing team

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Excellent public-facing skills, comfortable interfacing with large groups;
  • Ability to work independently, multi-task, solve problems, and collaborate with staff at all levels;
  • Basic computer skills required: internet literacy, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite;
  • Comfort and ability to lift and/or move 50lbs if needed.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Some experience successfully managing and administering educational performance programs;
  • Some experience in any social media or outward communications ;
  • Some experience with remote audio/video recording/editing for any technical assistance needs. 

COMPENSATION, HOURS & LOCATION
Position pays a contracted fee commensurate with hours required from July 16 – July 30, 2023.  Please check back for updates about compensation.  Sō Percussion will also provide housing and meal plans for Lunch/Dinner. 

INCLUSION
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the SōSI 2023 internship will open soon. Check back later!

CONTACT 
Email adam@sopercussion.com regarding any questions you may have. 

*COVID CONSIDERATIONS
The Sō Percussion Summer Institute must follow and abide by the Princeton University Gatherings Policy and Visitors Policy. Princeton University guidelines adapt in accordance with the guidelines from the state of New Jersey. Guideline changes will be communicated with all staff and participants by Sō Percussion. 

Should Princeton University not allow summer programs, the Sō Percussion Summer Institute will go online. Staff requirements and contracts subject to change. 

All staff members of the Sō Percussion Summer Institute must be vaccinated again COVID-19. 


(Left to right: Lindsay Vasko, Evan Miller, Andrea Tafelski)

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Sō Percussion Summer Institute (SōSI)?

July 16,-30, 2023

When are applications closed?

February 1, 2023

When will I know if I was accepted?

Around February 20, 2023

When will I need to make a tuition payment?

A deposit of $250 (as part of your tuition due) will be required within 14 days with your signed acceptance letter and agreement to join the program. Remaining tuition will be due in full by June 1, 2022

Do I need to be a percussionist or composer to apply for this program?

Yes. SōSI is designed for college-aged performers and composers together on the campus of Princeton University to learn and perform in a hands-on environment with Sō Percussion and guest faculty and staff with whom they collaborate. You may apply in the percussion or composition track. If you are interested in both, you may note this in your application.

Do I need to be in college to join this program?

No. We welcome over age – 18 college students, post-college, and independent students to apply and join our program.

Are musical groups able to apply together?

Applicants must apply individually and will be selected as individuals. However, several or all members of a group are welcome to apply separately.

What will be our schedule each day?

SAMPLE WEEKDAY SCHEDULE IN EASTERN TIME (subject to change)

  • 10am–12pm – Morning Rehearsal Sessions
  • 12-1:30pm – Lunch / Break
  • 1:30-2:30pm – Guest Artist Talk
  • 2:30-5pm – Rehearsals, Individual Sessions, Masterclasses
  • 5-6:30pm Dinner / Break
  • 6:30-9pm Evening Concerts or Sessions

Do I need to be available and present all scheduled events?

Yes. We encourage and ask that everyone be at all events while attending the summer institute.

What will the music be that we workshop with Sō Percussion?

The music for this year’s participants will be assigned once all participants have been accepted. You will also workshop music composed and created by fellow SōSI participants accepted into the Composition Track.

Can I participate in only part of the program?

No, SōSI students must commit to participating in the entire program.