Greens' $15 million gift to launch DPU music venture

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A $15 million gift from Judson and Joyce Green will launch an initiative to transform the DePauw University School of Music -- Indiana's oldest and one of the nation's first -- to meet the needs of students who are entering a rapidly changing music industry.

The gift from the Greens, both of whom are graduates of DePauw, will establish the 21st Century Musician Initiative (21CM).

The first of its kind, 21CM is a complete re-imagining of the professional music school curriculum and student experience with the aim to create flexible, entrepreneurial professionals prepared for the challenges of today's music world.

In announcing the gift, DPU President Brian W. Casey underlined the special relationship the Greens and DePauw have shared over many years.

"On behalf of our students, I extend my sincere thanks to Judson and Joyce Green," Casey said. "They have built a legacy on the DePauw campus that is matched by few. Their love of the arts -- and especially music -- has enriched the cultural fabric of the university and promises to position the School of Music at the forefront of music education."

In 2007, the Greens made an initial $15 million gift to the School of Music which established the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts, home of the School of Music.

"The world of music is changing rapidly, but presents so many new opportunities for musicians and music students. The goal of 21CM is to create talented and entrepreneurial musicians who can thrive in this new musical paradigm," Joyce Green said

"Much like our association with Yo-Yo Ma and the Chicago Symphony, we view this gift as an opportunity to expand and sustain the role of music in civic and cultural life," she added.

"We are extremely pleased to be part of this new focus and exciting future for the School of Music at DePauw," Judson Green said. "Providing experiences that foster creativity and innovation among DePauw students in ways that bring music -- in its many forms -- to new audiences and new communities is one that energizes us."

Along with rigorous musical training, the 21CM initiative places increased emphasis on community engagement, audience development and business skills for musicians, as well as expanded efforts in advocacy and entrepreneurship.

The School of Music introduced a successful pilot phase for the program from 2011-13 where aspects of the larger 21CM concept were prototyped.

Included were a guest artist series to bring leading musicians to DePauw, residencies for world-class chamber ensembles, and national and international touring opportunities for the university's ensembles. Results of this pilot phase included a 200 percent increase in School of Music audiences from 2011-13.

With the support of the Greens' gift, the School of Music plans to roll out the next phase of 21CM complete with a new curriculum, dedicated administrative staff and other innovative initiatives including new styles of concertizing and additional opportunities with living composers.

Components of the successful pilot phase will continue including the renamed Green Guest Artists Concerts, featuring the Fifth House Ensemble, Chanticleer and the renowned vocal sensation Bobby McFerrin, among others this year.

"The 'classical' music world is changing," Music School Dean Mark McCoy said. "The days of the single-career musician are waning. Today's musician must be flexible and open to new possibilities.

"With the generosity of Judson and Joyce, we have an opportunity to systemically create musicians for a new century. Music students must always strive for artistic excellence as musicians, but they must also know how to engage today's audiences in new and innovative ways in order to demonstrate the power and value of music in a life well-lived."

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