This morning, Present Music introduced ComposeMilwaukee, a new corporate and community engagement program with the goal of promoting innovation, imagination and collaboration. 

With the help of a professional composer, several workshops and a creative composition process, participants in various organizations – including Pieper Power and Badger Meter – have created a new piece of music. Now, ComposeMilwaukee is shifting those workshops to the public.

Present Music will host several ComposeMilwaukee workshops open to the public, led by professional composer Nick Weckman. The workshops – scheduled for April 8, April 15, April 22, May 6 and May 13 from 7:30 until 9 p.m. at Coast-In Bikes, with the final session set for May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Milwaukee Art Museum – will introduce participants to dynamic styles of contemporary music and facilitate a new piece of music. 

The final goal is to compose a bicycle-themed piece of music to be performed at UPAF Ride for the Arts on Sunday, May 31, as well as the final ComposeMilwaukee concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The additional works created by Pieper Power, Badger Meter and several student groups will also be performed at the free concert event. 

To take part in the public portion of ComposeMilwaukee, participants must attend all six workshops. The cost is $20 for all six sessions. Those wanting to join must RSVP through Sarah Warran either by phone (414-271-0711 x3) or by email (sarah@presentmusic.org) by Monday, April 6.