News
Scott Campbell to Depart as Fischoff Executive Director
Scott Campbell to Depart as Executive Director of Fischoff National Chamber Music Association
Notre Dame, IN – February 7, 2025 – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association has announced that Executive Director Scott Campbell will step down from his position, effective February 15, 2025, to join BetterSax, a globally recognized brand specializing in state-of-the-art saxophone design and innovative educational tools for musicians. Campbell, who holds a doctorate in saxophone and has extensive experience in instrument design, international performance, and business operations, will take on the role of President & COO within the company.
“It has been the honor of my career to serve as Executive Director of Fischoff,” said Campbell. “This bittersweet decision follows much reflection, and I know the next leader will build on the strong foundation we’ve established together. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as a team—our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, and donors have made Fischoff’s impact on the chamber music world extraordinary. I look forward to seeing Fischoff continue to thrive and grow.”
The Fischoff Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Campbell’s contributions during his tenure. “Scott has guided the organization with excellence, helping to strengthen its foundation while embracing new opportunities to serve musicians and audiences,” said John De Souza, President of Fischoff’s Board of Directors. “We are proud of what Fischoff has achieved in the past few years and remain deeply committed to our mission of inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of chamber musicians.” In the interim, the board will appoint an Interim Executive Director from within the organization to ensure a seamless transition and maintain Fischoff’s exceptional programming and community impact.
Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, Fischoff is the largest and most prestigious chamber music competition in the U.S. Each May, it hosts a national competition at the University of Notre Dame, attracting competitors from across the globe. Over the years, Fischoff has nurtured many Grammy-winning ensembles and has reached over 100,000 young students in its region through educational outreach programs.
In the past two years, Fischoff has made significant strides, including:
– Grand Prize Tour: Established a tour for Grand Prize winners, spanning across the U.S. and internationally.
– New Competition Prize: Introduced a recording prize with Sweetwater Music in Fort Wayne for the Gold Medal Winds winners.
– Artistic Collaborations: Partnered with composer Anna Clyne and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra to commission a new string quartet concerto.
– Increased Visibility: Expanded outreach through partnerships with organizations like Chamber Music America and increased its social media following by 35%.
– Financial Growth: Achieved an increase in annual revenue and developed modern fundraising processes.
– Academy Expansion: Participation in our Chamber Music Academy has doubled, offering free coaching to middle and high school chamber music groups in the Michiana region.
– Summer Intensive: Fischoff launched a summer intensive chamber music week, attracting young musicians to work with renowned Fischoff alumni at Saint Mary’s College.
For more information about Fischoff and the Executive Director search, visit https://www.fischoff.org/executive-director/.
Media Contact:
Geneviéve Carreño, Program & Marketing Manager
genevieve@fischoff.org
ABOUT FISCHOFF
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,200 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
This unique arts organization has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues and well-known alumni. It is also known for extensive outreach programming during the competition and throughout the year. The Fischoff uniquely partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served over 100,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Summer Updates from Fischoff
Inspiring Talent and Transforming Lives: The Impact of the 2024 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
The Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition is more than just a contest; it is a transformative experience that nurtures the next generation of chamber musicians. This past May, we were privileged to witness the incredible talent and dedication of young artists who are shaping the future of classical music. With your support, we are able to continue inspiring lives and nurturing talent through breathtaking performances and educational opportunities.
Highlights from the Competition
This year’s competition was remarkable! Throughout the competition, we had the pleasure of hosting a diverse range of ensembles from across the nation and around the world. One particularly memorable moment was when the Saphir Quartet from Oslo, Norway, who only made it to the quarterfinals in 2023, dedicated the following year to intense preparation and ultimately won the Junior Strings Gold Medal. Their journey epitomizes the essence of Fischoff: talent, discipline, and the invaluable support of mentors.
Notably, we saw over 11,000 viewers tuning in from across the globe through our live streams, exceeding our goal of 10,000 viewers. Additionally, competitors engaged directly with the community, performing at 12 local elementary schools and impacting over 850 children in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.
Personal Stories of Impact
The story of the Saphir Quartet is a shining example of how mentorship can shape an artist’s journey. With the guidance of their coach, Kari Ravnan, an American cellist who competed in the first year of the Fischoff competition, the quartet has evolved into a formidable ensemble. Their dedication culminated not just in technical skill, but also in an inspiring narrative of growth and perseverance. As Torje Råbu from the quartet reflected, “I realize how much work and suffering we put into this one goal.” You can watch their vlog on their YouTube channel here:
https://youtu.be/19LbmWV6EHI?si=KfOr3gzKlM8TXNMJz
The impact of the Fischoff extends far beyond individual successes. Many ensembles return year after year, motivated by shared experiences and mentorship opportunities. For instance, the Breshears Quartet, a sibling quartet that first entered the competition when its youngest member was only 9, returned two years later to claim the Silver Medal, demonstrating the determination and persistence encouraged by the annual competition. Similarly, the Quid Nunc Quartet who won silver last year, came back to win the Gold Medal this year.
Career Progression and Community Engagement
The Fischoff competition is not just about receiving awards; it also serves as a springboard for professional careers. For instance, the Kodachrome Quartet (2023 Senior Winds Gold Medalists) recently completed a recording project at Sweetwater Sound using state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos technology as part of their prize and just recently received a commissioning grant from Chamber Music America. These opportunities play a crucial role in launching the careers of young musicians. After winning the Senior Winds Gold Medal last year, Dr. Bonson Lee, a member of the quartet, returned as a mentor with his students, showcasing the importance of giving back and nurturing the next generation of talent.
Furthermore, our dedication to community engagement ensures that the competition’s impact is felt at the local level. During Fischoff’s competition weekend, over 200 performances take place, and many of them occur outside the performance hall within the community. An article emphasizing the “hyperfocus” of Fischoff was beautifully featured in BeyoND by Fischoff’s Education Director, Kara Kane. You can read it here: https://publicaffairs.nd.edu/news/a-harmonious-partnership-fischoff-national-chamber-music-competition-and-notre-dames-arts-district/
A Call to Support
The successes and stories that come from our competition are a direct result of the unwavering support from our local Michiana community, donors, and volunteers. None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Competition Director, Miki Strabley, Artistic Director Tom Rosenberg, and nearly 100 local volunteers who contribute countless hours to make this event a reality.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Fischoff relies solely on charitable contributions to continue our mission of inspiring and nurturing young musicians. Your support is vital in helping us provide these incredible opportunities. Join us in our mission to foster talent, create impactful experiences, and support the stars of tomorrow. Learn how you can make a difference by following this link: https://fischoff.networkforgood.com/projects/203269-support-our-work
Thank you for being an integral part of the Fischoff family and for believing in the power of music to transform lives!
Scott Campbell, DMA
Executive Director
2024 Ann Divine Educator Award Winner Announced
Lineage Percussion Named Fischoff’s 2024 Ann Divine Educator Award Winner
Notre Dame, IN – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is delighted to announce that Lineage Percussion has been selected as the winner of Fischoff’s 2024 Ann Divine Educator Award. This national award recognizes the educational outreach work of Fischoff Competition alumni who have demonstrated outstanding and imaginative programming for children and youth in the United States. It honors musicians who have established professional careers in chamber music, and have proven their ability to successfully build a career in both chamber music performance and educational outreach.
Named in honor of retired Executive Director, Ann Divine, this award recognizes her visionary leadership in cultivating community outreach through chamber music. As winner of the Ann Divine Educator Award, Lineage Percussion will receive a coveted endorsement from Fischoff, a cash award, and a weeklong residency in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Indiana. Taking place in Fall 2024, Lineage Percussion will conduct workshops and perform interactive concerts in schools, community centers and libraries. The week will include multiple performances of Fischoff’s flagship program, Stories and Music: S.A.M. I Am, which musically reenacts a children’s book and will be featured as part of the St. Joseph County Public Library’s story time programming. Lineage Percussion will also work with Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy and Elkhart County’s El Sistema (ECoSistema) students to dig deeper into the art of chamber music with children and teens who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities.
*Photography credit: Kathleen Dreier Photography
Lineage Percussion, comprised of Trevor Barroero, Lauren Floyd, and Wesley Sumpter, is an exciting trio that spreads its roots into many facets of the chamber music industry. Founded in 2014 in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia, Lineage Percussion is deeply rooted in a rich history of orchestral percussion. Whether they are playing marimbas, snare drums, bongos, or household objects, their identical training results in a uniform approach to each and every percussion instrument resulting in the trio’s distinctive sound.
Social advocacy and justice are important facets of the group. Through their commissions, as well as compositions of their own, Lineage Percussion aims to uplift communities and ideas that need support from the arts. Central to them is the idea that music must be representative of the current times and this belief has resulted in more than a dozen new works commissioned and premiered by Lineage Percussion. Professionally endorsed as educational artists with Black Swamp Percussion, Remo Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Dragonfly Percussion, they have presented clinics, recitals and outreach events for elementary schools, high schools, retirement communities, and private organizations in Maryland, Georgia, Arizona, and most recently at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival in South Africa.
Fischoff Education Director, Kara Kane, remarked, “Lineage Percussion made history in 2016 when they were the first percussion ensemble to win a medal in our Senior Division, bringing home the bronze medal. Percussion chamber music has exploded since 2017, as seen with multiple percussion ensemble GRAMMY wins and nominations, so we are thrilled to be able to highlight incredible chamber music repertoire for this instrumentation. Lineage Percussion’s creative, interactive approach to music making will empower and inspire students to find their own inner musician. We can’t wait to see what creative twists Lineage Percussion introduces to our Stories & Music program and how they will reach even broader music making communities in our area.”
On behalf of Lineage Percussion, Wesley Sumpter responded to the award, “Fischoff’s commitment to education and community engagement is quite extraordinary. It truly aligns with our vision and core values as a group in continuing to increase and expand accessibility to music for young audiences around the world…We can’t wait to share our love for music and percussion with many students.”
Fischoff’s Educator Award Residency is generously made possible by lead sponsor Shein Charitable Trust.
Contact: Kara Kane, Education Director
kara@fischoff.org
www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,200 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
This unique arts organization has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues and well-known alumni. It is also known for extensive outreach programming during the competition and throughout the year. The Fischoff uniquely partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 100,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Major Gift in Honor of Fischoff’s 50th Anniversary
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association Receives Major Gift in Honor of Fischoff’s 50th Anniversary
South Bend, IN – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is thrilled to announce that it has received a gift of $50,000 from Jeny and John Sejdinaj in honor of Fischoff’s 50th Anniversary. This generous gift celebrates Fischoff’s milestone anniversary and recognizes its exceptional international leadership in the art of chamber music.
South Bend is the home of one the nation’s premier music events, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Founded in1973 by local businessman and musician, Joseph E. Fischoff and members of the South Bend Chamber Music Society, this prestigious event was established to encourage emerging chamber musicians and provide a forum for their talents.
The Sejdinaj gift will provide vital support for the annual Fischoff competition, educational initiatives, engaging diverse audiences, and fostering emerging musicians. With this philanthropy, Fischoff will continue to empower aspiring musicians and strengthen the cultural fabric of our regional community.
“We are deeply honored to receive this gift from Jeny and John Sejdinaj, which reflects their long-time passion, leadership, and love of Fischoff,” said Scott Campbell, DMA, Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. “This support will enable us to further our mission of promoting chamber music excellence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jeny and John Sejdinaj for their generosity and trust in our work”
As part of its ongoing commitment to foster a vibrant and inclusive musical community, Fischoff invites individuals and organizations to join them in celebrating this achievement and supporting their mission. Donations of any size will make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring musicians and the future of chamber music.
For more information about the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association and its programs, please visit Fischoff.org or contact info@fischoff.org.
Media Contact:
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting chamber music excellence and education. Through its prestigious annual competition, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives, Fischoff inspires young musicians and fosters the growth of chamber music worldwide.
Strengthening Musical Bonds: Fischoff Chamber Music Academy’s New Partnership with South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras
Weaving Musical Dreams Together
Fischoff is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras (SBYSO) following the resounding success of our inaugural Summer Intensive collaboration. This collaboration has not only enhanced our ability to serve the Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan region but also opened up additional opportunities for budding young musicians.
Joining Forces for Greater Impact
This partnership is the integration of SBYSO’s chamber program into the Fischoff Academy to allow both organizations to focus their energies more effectively. The Academy will continue to nurture and inspire young musicians through its longstanding tradition of chamber music, while SBYSO concentrates on providing exceptional orchestral experiences.
The Fischoff Academy: Inspiring the Lives of Young Musicians
For over two decades, the Fischoff Academy has been a beacon of inspiration for young talent. Every year, it gathers some of the region’s most promising young musicians and pairs them with the area’s finest professional musicians for an extraordinary learning experience. This enriching journey cultivates their skills, hones their craft, and fosters a love for chamber music that will last a lifetime.
Audition-Based Excellence
Entry into the Fischoff Academy is audition-based, ensuring that only the most dedicated and passionate young musicians gain access to this unique opportunity. We are proud to maintain our commitment to accessibility by offering this transformative program completely free of charge to students.
Discover More
Are you curious to learn more about the Fischoff Academy and how it can inspire the young musician in your life? Visit our website to explore the magic of music and the exceptional experiences that await our students.
As we move forward, we are excited about the possibilities this partnership holds for aspiring musicians and our local community. Together, we are building a brighter, more harmonious future through the power of music.
2023 Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive: A Week of Music, Growth, and Community
The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, in partnership with Saint Mary’s College and the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras, hosted the inaugural Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive from June 12th to 16th, 2023. This transformative week-long event was filled with music, camaraderie, and growth, showcasing the talents of young local musicians.
An Invigorating Beginning
The program kicked off with an explosion of enthusiasm on the first day as students and coaches embarked on a musical journey. The Thalea String Quartet, Fischoff’s quartet-in-residence, returned to their musical home to kick off the Summer Chamber Music Intensive. A day filled with icebreakers, a grand campus tour, brainstorming ensemble names, rehearsing with the quartet, and mindfulness activities set the tone for a week of musical exploration. The day culminated in a breathtaking concert by the Thalea String Quartet joined by fellow intensive coach and pianist Geoffroy Duce, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead.
A Bouquet of Talent
Throughout the week, students and faculty came together for a series of concerts featuring works by a variety of composers such as Haydn, Dvořák, DBR (Daniel Bernard Roumain), Jeffrey Ryan, Tartini, Shostakovich, Florence Price, and more. These performances, held at Saint Mary’s College’s Little Theatre in the Moreau Center for the Arts, were open to the public, allowing the community to revel in the students’ and faculty’s artistry.
Artistry and Education Hand in Hand
The inspiration and energy continued on the second day with the workshop “The Stage Is Your World” conducted by the Thalea String Quartet. This workshop aimed to enhance expressiveness and stage presence. Following this, students delved into a full day of rehearsals and coaching sessions, culminating in a concert that showcased the talents of ten students.
A Journey of Self-Expression
Day three began with a workshop titled “The World Is Your Stage,” a continuation of the previous day’s session. Students explored the importance of confidence and shared the reasons behind their love for the pieces they would perform. The day continued with coaching sessions, a faculty recital by Chris Whitley, a masterclass, and a mindfulness session.
The afternoon led students to St. Mary’s brand-new makerspace, “Spark Lab,” where they explored 3D and laser printing, t-shirt and button design, and other creative activities.
Making Music and Memories in the Community
The fourth day marked the culmination of days of hard work and learning. Students shared their music through community engagement concerts with than 300 Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County summer campers, resulting in joyful serenades, a musical petting zoo, and impromptu dance parties.
A Grand Finale
The week concluded on a high note with a final concert featuring eight ensembles that left the audience awestruck. This experience wasn’t just about music; it was about building friendships, improving communication skills, and giving back to the community.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
The success of this week-long intensive was made possible through the dedication of the coaches, including the Thalea String Quartet (Brady Anderson, Kumiko Sakamoto, Lauren Spaulding Chris Whitely), Geoffrey Duce, Emilie Grondin, Geena Kam, and Lara Turner.
Also, special thanks to the Fischoff Chamber Music Intensive Director Geena Kam who is also a faculty member at Saint Mary’s College. She envisioned this opportunity for students and was instrumental in the planning and administration of the program.
Crucial support in bringing this week to fruition was given by Saint Mary’s College Summer Camps Team led by Gabriella Maxwell, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Indiana, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN
The Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive left an indelible mark, nurturing young musicians and fostering a sense of community and shared artistry. This initiative not only celebrates the joy of music but also honors the visionaries and collaborators who made it all possible.
Anna Clyne’s Quarter Days World-Premiere with Fischoff and SBSO
Anna Clyne Composes New Piece for String Quartet and Orchestra for Fischoff National Chamber Music Association and South Bend Symphony Orchestra for Anniversary Celebration
South Bend, IN – August 18, 2023 – Award-winning, London-born and New York-based composer, Anna Clyne’s world-premiere Quarter Days, written for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association and South Bend Symphony Orchestra will be performed on October 22, 2023 in South Bend, IN, USA. The celebrated partnership of the two organizations marks a significant milestone as both celebrate respective anniversaries – Fischoff’s 50th and South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 90th.
Anna Clyne, ranked among the top living composers in the world, has been tasked with creating a masterpiece that will showcase the brilliance of chamber music and the symphonic prowess of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. The commissioned piece is a testament to the dedication and commitment of both organizations to advancing the world of classical music.
The world premiere of Clyne’s Quarter Days will take place at the acclaimed DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, located at the University of Notre Dame. The Euclid Quartet, a distinguished ensemble of Fischoff alumni, will take the stage alongside the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Conductor Alistair Willis, to present this highly anticipated composition to aficionados of symphonic and chamber music alike.
The collaboration is a celebration, exemplifying the shared commitment of Fischoff and South Bend Symphony Orchestra in championing the forward momentum of classical music on an international level. “Anna Clyne’s talent and artistry are unparalleled, and we are thrilled to celebrate the synergy of chamber music and orchestral performance during our 50th Anniversary,” said Scott Campbell, Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. “Fischoff has spent 5 decades championing classical chamber music and we are so grateful to Anna Clyne, South Bend Symphony, and the Euclid Quartet to collaborate with us on this unique project. We extend special thanks to Jeny and John Sejdinaj for underwriting Fischoff’s share of this commission in honor of Fischoff’s 50th anniversary. It is a gift to the classical music world and we are hopeful this new work finds a strong and lasting place in both chamber and symphonic repertoire.”
Quarter Days promises to be an experience that will captivate audiences. Don’t miss the premiere of this extraordinary piece, an homage to the past, and a bold step toward the future of classical music.
Tickets for the premiere are available now. Further details about the event and the artists involved can be found below:
Anne Clyne: annaclyne.com
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association’s website: fischoff.org
South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s website: southbendsymphony.org
Euclid Quartet: euclidquartet.com
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
This unique arts organization has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues and well-known alumni. It is also known for extensive outreach programming during the competition and throughout the year. The Fischoff uniquely partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 97,500 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
1st Source Grant Awarded to Fischoff
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association Receives Grant to Advance Music Education and Engagement
South Bend, IN – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious grant from the 1st Source Foundation to support group instruction for underserved Title 1 schools in the area. The award recognizes Fischoff’s exceptional contribution to the field of chamber music and its dedication to inspiring and nurturing young musicians.
It will provide vital support for educational initiatives, engaging diverse audiences, and fostering the growth of emerging musicians. With this gift, Fischoff will empower aspiring musicians and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from the 1st Source Foundation, which reflects the Foundation’s dedication to community arts and cultural organizations,” said Dr. Scott Campbell, Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. “This support will enable us to further our mission of promoting chamber music excellence and accessibility. We extend our heartfelt thanks to 1st Source Foundation for their trust in our work.”
The grant will have a notable impact on Fischoff’s ability to maintain its educational programs, community engagement initiatives, and provide valuable instruction to emerging young chamber musicians. talents. Through collaborations with local schools, outreach concerts, and mentorship programs, Fischoff aims to create transformative musical experiences and inspire the next generation of musicians.
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical community, Fischoff invites individuals and organizations to join them in celebrating this achievement and supporting their mission. Donations of any size will make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring musicians and the future of chamber music.
Media Contact:
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
This unique arts organization has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues and well-known alumni. It is also known for extensive outreach programming during the competition and throughout the year. The Fischoff uniquely partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 97,500 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.