Project Overview

Orchestra students will have the opportunity to ignite their own imaginations when consider the concept or idea for a new work to be create by composer Alysia Lee. Below is information about this unique opportunity and experience. 

What Is The Timeline?

2023

• Now-Aug 1       Schools/ensembles register to become a ComMission Possible Member
• Sept 1-Oct 20    Ideas are generated by students using curriculum materials supplied by Beyond The Notes (BTN). Schools apply to be host ensemble.
• Oct 20-Nov 1     BTN panel selects top 15 ideas and host school. Information shared with the composer for consideration.
• Nov 20               Composer Interview #1 revealing concept selected/decided for the new composition.
• Late Dec            Composer Interview #2 focusing on questions from students.

2024

• Feb 1                 Composer Interview #3 sharing final work, ideas for rehearsal and performance.
• April-June         Composer visit to the selected school for world premiere performance and residency! Schools that did not apply for the world premiere performance or were not selected will have the opportunity to perform the new composition listed as a "regional premiere".

Suggested Student Ideas

Ensemble	School	Student	Idea
Choir	Northwest Girlchoir	Asha	Women In History
Choir	Northwest Girlchoir	Rose	Ending School Shootings/Gun Violence
Choir	Northwest Girlchoir	Ellen	"Paper Genocide" of the Taino People.
​Choir	​Northwest Girlchoir	Lucy	Body Confidence
Choir	Robert Gray MS	Finley & Nia	Ending Gun Violence
​Choir	Robert Gray MS	Gigi & Zoey	Celebrating Women In History
​Choir	Robert Gray MS	Harper	1 Child: Story of Children from Around the World Seeking a Better Future
​Choir	Velma Hamilton MS	6th & 7th Choirs	Women's Rights
​Choir	Velma Hamilton MS	6th & 7th Choirs	The Journey Of Life
​Choir	Velma Hamilton MS	6th & 7th Choirs	Hope for a Better World
​Choir	Velma Hamilton MS	6th & 7th Choirs	Mental Health
​Choir	Velma Hamilton MS	6th & 7th Choirs	LGBTQIA+ Rights
​Choir	Platteville MS	Z.X.	Fireworks
​​Choir	St. Francis HS	Choir Class	Boston Tea Party
Choir	St. Francis HS	Marz	Deep Space Travel

Composer Interview #1 - Concept Reveal

Composer Interview #2 - Student Questions

Alysia Lee (Choir)

CHOIR - Alysia Lee receives national recognition for advancing access, equity, and decolonization with leaders, organizations, and communities. Her methods center on youth leadership, anti-racism, creativity, and justice. 
Alysia is the inaugural President of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, the bold hyperlocal grantmaker stewarding public funds to support the success of Baltimore’s young people. BCYF is committed to authentic community engagement, and all strategy and grant decisions are shaped and led by Baltimore community members and youth leaders. With the core values of Racial Equity, Intergenerational Leadership, Community Ownership, and Collective Decision-Making, BCYF strives to resource a future where children and youth programs have the resources they need to equitably serve all young Baltimoreans. 

Lee is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG), the El Sistema-inspired, girl empowerment choral academy in Philadelphia, Camden, and Baltimore in its 11th season. SCG is an award-winning and trendsetting choral education program with performance credits from Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and numerous school and community stages. 
Lee has an emerging voice as a choral composer. She is the series editor of Hal Leonard’s Exigence for Young Voices, the new choral series uplifting Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian composers for young choir ensembles. Her piece ‘Say Her Name’ is published by Hal Leonard.  She has recent composition commissions from Baltimore Choral Arts, Artemisia Trio, and the Portland Lesbian Choir.

Lee is also a Board member of Chorus America and a National Advisor to ArtsEdSEL. Lee is formerly the education program supervisor for Fine Arts Education for the Maryland State Department of Education across five arts disciplines: music, dance, visual art, theatre, and media arts. She supported the statewide arts learning community through policy, evaluation, technical assistance, and advocacy that centered on equity and excellence.

Recent recognitions include awards from The Kennedy Center, The Knight Foundation, National Association of University Women, Stockton Bartol Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and BEQ Pride. Recent speaking/facilitation engagements include the U.S. Department of Education, The Kennedy Center, VH-1 Save the Music, Carnegie Hall, Arts Education Partnership, TEDX, many colleges and universities, and national and state professional associations.
A Baltimore native, Lee is an alumna of Maryland public schools (Baltimore County Public Schools). She earned her graduate degree from Peabody Conservatory. Alysia also completed Executive Education programs at Harvard University and La Salle University.

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