Joan W. Harris Visiting Music Scholar in Residence

In the 10th year of the Joan W. Harris Visiting Music Scholar in Residence program, and in celebration of the school’s 125th anniversary, Parker is excited to celebrate and present a member of the Parker family: Stephen Burns—father of Parker alums Iz Burns ’14 and Eddie Burns ’14—and his musicians and friends from Fulcrum Point New Music Project, which he founded and leads as artistic director. 

Fulcrum Point pushes the boundaries of the musical experience globally by supporting new compositions, creating and performing transformative new music programs, and educating audiences of all ages and backgrounds to imagine the possibilities of music. According to Fulcrum Point’s mission: “We are committed to listen deeply, reflect upon what we learn, and use our platform to give voice to artists of all races and creeds, those who empower and inspire us to create community and bring the world together.” 

 

In their work at Parker, Stephen Burns and Fulcrum Point members—all internationally acclaimed and professional teaching artists—will integrate themselves into Parker’s performing arts community. As part of their residency, Fulcrum Point will work with student musicians in their classes, lead various MXs geared towards ages across Parker's multiple divisions, and perform an evening concert that will feature an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary composers alongside Parker students.

The Joan W. Harris Visiting Music Scholar in Residence program was established to provide experiences for students to find inspiration, learn, appreciate, and understand the transformative power of classical music. Members of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center worked with the school as the inaugural visiting artists in 2017 followed by Chicago Opera Theater, The Westerlies, Kontras Quartet, Chicago a cappella, and Third Coast Percussion.