Join us for SIFOS 2011 - May 23rd - June 3rd
Overview:
The Summer Institute for French Organ Studies was created in 1985 by Gene Bedient, Organbuilder, and Jesse Eschbach, Professor of Organ at the University of North Texas, Denton. The mission of SIFOS is to give a select number of participants an accurate perspective on the French organ and French culture of the 17-19 centuries. The organ culture in America tends to filter its perspective on the organ through Germanic, 19th century American or American Classic perspectives. Although there is a great deal of interest in French organ literature of the Classic period and the Romantic period, the realization of this literature in our American culture often leaves much to be desired. SIFOS has been very successful at giving the participants an in-depth and realistic perspective on the French organ, its literature and the French culture. Having this experience on instruments for which the music was composed is an essential part of SIFOS and is not available in the same way anywhere else.
Rather than visiting a large number of instruments over a 2 to 3 week period, SIFOS focuses on two instruments, allowing organists to become thoroughly familiar with each of them. Individual practice time on the instruments averages 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day. On Friday evening of each week, qualified participants play public recitals. Because SIFOS adheres to very high standards, participants must necessarily be competent performers and scholars.
A typical daily schedule:
09:00 - 10:00 - Tour of the organ: Pipework of the G.-O. - Bedient ·
10:00 - 11:00 - Lecture: Ornamentation in French repertoire - Eschbach ·
11:00 - 12:00 - Performance Seminar: participant - Eschbach ·
12:00 - 20:00 - Individual practice sessions
The faculty for SIFOS is Jesse Eschbach, and Gene Bedient.
The enrollment is limited to 6 participants in insure each student will have adequate opportunity to perform, practice and experience France.
General Information For Applicants
The next SIFOS will be held May 23 - June 3, 2011.
1. SIFOS 2011 will commence on the 23rd of May in Poitiers where participants will have access to the monumentally important 1787 Clicquot organ at the Cathedral of St. Pierre. The second week will be held in Epernay where participants will work with the 1868 instrument of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll at l'eglise Notre-Dame. Practice will also be available on the 1898 Cavaillé-Coll at l'eglise St-Pierre et St-Paul.
2. Applicants will be notified of their status by February 15, 2011.
3. The all-inclusive fee for the two-week period is $3,200.00*. This fee includes tuition for the institute, room (based on double occupancy), breakfast each day and three evening meals during the week to be arranged with the group. Our fee does not encompass the following items:
A. Transportation
B. Meals not specified in item 3 above.
C. Room and board on Saturday, May 28, between locations.
D. Optional side trips.
4. Payment schedule and specific arrangements in France: Gene Bedient is responsible for financial matters, housing in France, and liaison with our hosts in France. By March 15th, those accepted will receive details about housing, addresses, emergency phone numbers, and practical suggestions about the trip. Make all checks payable to SIFOS. Send all payments including the application deposit directly to:
Mail Payments to:
Gene Bedient
1060 Saltillo Road
Roca, NE 68430.
Phone: 402-420-7662, fax: 7663
Fee Information
$150.00 with application
(Refunded by May 15, '09 if we are unable to admit you)
$1,000.00 upon acceptance
$1,000.00 on or before March 15th
$1,050.00 on or before May 1st.
Or
$150.00 with application and $3,050.00 upon acceptance
5. Refunds: Until March 15, 2011: 100% Between March 16, and May 1, 2011: 50% After May 1, 2011: none
Note: If payments following the application deposit are made by credit card, each of the three following payments will be increased by $50 each.
*6. Increases: Because the projected price is for expenses to be incurred in the future, the stated tuition fee is subject fluctuation in the value of the Dollar vs. Euro.
7. Along with the formal letter of acceptance, Dr. Eschbach will send a packet of information including the following:
• Suggestions for temporary housing/hotels in Paris including "Paying guests" arrangements with families.
• Suggested points of interest to organists in and around Paris.
• Bibliography concerning general French culture, the regions of France where the Institute will take place, and a checklist of books and articles relevant to the French organ and its repertoire.
SCHOLARSHIPS
For students who are interested in attending SIFOS 2011 but need financial assistance, we are pleased to be able to offer three $2,000 student scholarships this year. To qualify for scholarship assistance, you must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in organ at an accredited four-year institution. If you will be completing a degree at the end of this 2010-2011 term, you will still qualify for a scholarship.
Procedure to apply:
- Prepare an audition recording in either cassette tape or CD format and send a copy to each Dr. Eschbach and Gene Bedient at their individual addresses. The tape must include a standard French work from the 17th or 18th century plus a virtuosic work from the 19th or 20th showing command of registration, style, and technique. Your audition recording must be received no later than January 15, 2011.
- Write a letter stating your financial need, the reason that you are interested in attending SIFOS 2011, your future plans for a career in the organ field, and any additional comments that you wish to make to support your application. Attach this letter to your application and send a copy to both Dr. Eschbach and Gene Bedient at their individual addresses.
- Solicit a letter of support from your major organ professor. This letter can accompany your application or your professor can send it directly to Dr. Eschbach and a copy to Gene Bedient.
It is suggested that you submit your applications both for the scholarship and for admission to SIFOS 2011 at your earliest convenience. Please note that the deadline is January 15, 2011 but can send in your application any time before that date. We have only three scholarships and the total enrollment of SIFOS is limited to five individuals. If you are a candidate with good qualifications, getting your application in as soon as possible will increase your chances for acceptance.
Poiters Cliquot
