Ithaca College

The New Directions Cello Association and Festival Inc. (NDCA& F) is a 501c3 not for profit organization that has created a network for the growing field of alternative and non-classical cello. The goals of the NDCA&F are to encourage interaction among non-classical cellists, and to promote awareness among all cellists and the musically oriented public about the contributions that cellists are making in many styles of contemporary music. This encompasses those musical styles which are not commonly taught to cellists at music schools (jazz, blues, rock, folk, experimental, ethnic, etc.) especially those involving improvisation.

One of the NDCA&F's main projects is the New Directions Cello Festival, an annual symposium on the state of the alternative cello. See the Festival pages for information on events past, present and future. The complete schedule for the June 8, 9, and 10 New Directions 2012 Schedule of Workshops and Performances is now available.  The performances will feature Matt Haimovitz, Matt Turner, Dave Eggar & "Deoro" Trio, Kelly Ellis & "Ancient Device" and Ashia and the Bison Rouge.

Taking place in the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the Whalen Center for Music, the concerts are open to the public.  Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $12 for Students and Seniors, and $6 for children under 12. 

Since 1995, the New Directions Cello Festival has provided a forum for the exchange of music and ideas in the field of nonclassical and alternative cello.  They strive to embrace all styles of music not commonly taught at music schools, especially those that incorporate improvisation.

Since the first festival in New York City's Knitting Factory (1995), the annual festival has presented a veritable who's who of non-classical cello in New York City, Boston, Connecticut, Wisconsin, California and now in Ithaca, New York. Some of the cellists who have graced our stages include; David Darling, Eugene Friesen, David Baker, Mark Summer, Jami Sieber, Vincent Courtois, Stephen Katz, Ernst Reijseger, David Eyges, Akua Dixon, Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson, Rufus Cappodocia, Jane Scarpantoni, Chris White, Erik Friedlander, Dawn Avery and Robert Een.

Additional information can be found at www.newdirectscello.org. 

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation should contact the School of Music at 607-274-3717.