Birch Creek Hosts Casey Cangelosi

This summer, the 2015 Birch Creek Percussion and Steel Band Session will host Mr. Casey Cangelosi, Instructor of Music at Concord University, as their composer-in-residence. In the rich tradition established by founder Jim Dutton, and carried on by Birch Creek faculty, Cangelosi will present a recital for students, perform in the faculty ensemble, and give a series of master classes on composition, creativity and professionalism.

Cangelosi has received composition awards from the Massachusetts Percussive Arts Society, Sam Houston State University, and the Classical Marimba League, who described Cangelosi as “a marimbist of magisterial power and insight.” Since 2011, he has been commissioned for more than 20 compositions by many performing institutions, universities, companies, ensembles, and individual soloists.

This is the second consecutive year where Birch Creek has offered the composer-in-residence position. Birch Creek’s dedicated work in 2014 allowed them to host the internationally recognized composer and percussive educator, Dr. Brian Nozny, with great success, and this year they are excited to continue this position with the inclusion of Mr. Cangelosi in their faculty.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center is a summer music performance academy in Egg Harbor for advanced young musicians. With a performance emphasis, students are taught by nationally known performers and educators during the day, and perform alongside them in concerts at night. Four sessions focus on percussion and steel band, symphony, and big band jazz. Applications are welcome. For more information visit birchcreek.org.