Seminars

Chamber Percussion

Chamber Percussion Program – Participants will be placed in small chamber groups, partaking in extensive daily rehearsals to be coached by the guest artists in preparation for public performance on one of our two dedicated concerts. Historical context and perspectives will also be taught in conjunction with the works themselves, providing for participants an immersive chamber music experience.

Participants can expect up to five hours of rehearsals per day. Daily clinics will also be presented by the guest artists. Master-class lessons will also be afforded to all participants. Evening rehearsals are sometimes programmed. Group hikes and visits to local Tucson landmarks will also occur. Of course, there will be personal practice time throughout the day!

Repertoire will be selected by faculty members, and parts made available to participants no less than three weeks prior to the start of the seminar program. Please see our 2022 information for the coming years repertoire selections.

“On the Precipice” Composition Residency (Not Offered 2024)

“On the Precipice” Composition Residency Program

Limited to four (4) composition residents, and one “Call for Scores” recipient, each will be invited to have a new work premiered at Tócalo Tucson via our new “On the Precipice” residency program. This program seeks to showcase composers in the hopes of discovering imaginative forms of music that may be unfamiliar to audiences but speak to an emerging 21st century aesthetic of pluralism and inclusivity, a new kind of creative avant-garde based on DIY imaginative music-making. 

Specifically, we encourage young composers to explore avant-garde approaches to music focused on a 21st century imaginative practice – the “edges” of music, where it meets society, science, environment, technology, etc. Composers in residence at Tócalo Tucson will work closely with the guest artist composer, receiving private composition lessons, and coachings, as well as blocks of rehearsal time with chamber percussion program participants in preparation of the world premiere performance of their new work on one of our two dedicated concerts in Crowder Hall, Fred Fox School of Music.

Friends of Tócalo

Interested in watching rehearsals and master classes at Tócalo Tucson? The Friends of Tócalo Pass will allow access to non-participants to observe any and all of the rehearsals and master classes, plus the pre-festival party on Friday, June 3rd at 5:30pm! This pass is available to those interested in either the Chamber Percussion Program, or the “On the Precipice” Composition Program.

The Friends of Tócalo Pass is only $200 and space is limited, so get yours today! Individual clinic tickets may also be purchased on the Registration page.

Call for Scores

Are you a composer with an interesting work for chamber percussion ensemble that you would like to have considered performed at Tocalo Tucson 2024? If so, please email tocalotucson@gmail.com with the details of your piece (pdf of the score, a link to a performance, etc.). We are most interested in works that are quartet pieces or larger.

If your piece is selected, you will receive and official invitation to attend Tocalo Tucson 2024, and a small stipend to help off-set your costs of attending.