Student Composer Association (SCA) fosters the creative growth of emerging composers by creating opportunities for collaboration with performers, organizing projects and events, and promoting new music within the community.
Funding for SCA initiatives comes from annual grants awarded by the Indiana University Student Association (IUSA), whose continued support is deeply appreciated. The SCA plays an integral role in the composition department—imagining and coordinating collaborations, concerts, and programs; hosting receptions for prospective students on audition weekends; partially funding guest composers; and more.
2025–2026 Board
- President: Thejas Mirle
- Vice President: (open)
- Secretary: Eli Hocking
- Treasurer: Cooper Wood
- Officers: Noah Burns, Alexey Logunov, Addison Hightower, Courage Barda
Collaborations
Shakuhachi
A collaboration with Shawn Tairyu Head and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, featuring three workshops led by Shawn on writing for the shakuhachi. Shawn will also perform Toshio Hosokawa’s Shakuhachi Concerto on March 8 at 5 PM.
Community Ballet
An annual partnership between the IU Composition and Ballet departments and local Bloomington elementary schools. Second- and third-grade students write the story of the ballet, and IU composers and choreographers bring it to life. The final ballet is performed on the MAC stage.
New Art / New Music
An annual fall concert produced by the SCA in the School of Fine Arts Grunwald Gallery. Composers write pieces—often for solo instruments—inspired by visual art, and performances take place next to the artwork. The audience moves through the gallery from piece to piece.
Overtuned Fest
Student-driven experimental music festival dedicated to crossing boundaries between classical and rock music. By cultivating collaboration among composers, performers, and visual artists, the initiative aims to captivate new audiences and expand the reach of contemporary classical music
Nature Walk
Inspired by a nature walk led by Distinguished IU Biology Professor Roger Hangarter, this performance celebrates nature’s beauty and complexity. Writing students create literary works based on their hike experiences, which composers then transform into musical compositions. Learn more about Professor Hangarter at rogerhangarter.net.
Carillon
Composers have the opportunity to explore IU’s largest instrument—the Metz Grand Carillon, one of the largest in the world. In collaboration with a carillonneur, they compose a piece for the instrument, which is then performed at its home, the Cox Arboretum. Learn more about the Metz Grand Carillon here.
Cat Café
An outdoor program on the blacktop outside The Cat’s Closet, featuring musicians, poets, and storytellers. Events include:
- Musical theater solos and duets
- Chamber ensemble works by Jacobs School of Music students inspired by the cats at The Cat’s Closet
- Storytime with Monroe County Public Library staff and their book buses
- Readings by local poets and spoken-word artists
- Food from The Planted Bloomington food truck, serving animal-friendly meals