Posts: Sunshine Deffner

What’s so different about the California Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence Program?

May 2, 2019

It’s been called “a model for residency programs across the country” (Mercury News). Not all orchestras around the country have resident composer programs, and among those that exist, the California Symphony’s Young American Composer-in-Residence program is different in three key ways, says California Symphony Director of Operations & Education Sunshine Deffner. By Sunshine Deffner, Director

Read More

Balch, Composer-in-Residence, Donato Cabrera, Sunshine Deffner

Sound Minds Growing Up

July 28, 2017

Sound Minds student Carlos — as a first grader with his paper replica cello; in fourth grade, and (far right of picture) as a proud fifth grade, sunglasses-wearing, graduate of the program in May 2017. While the California Symphony celebrated its 30th anniversary last season, Sound Minds completed a milestone of its own. It’s now six years since

Read More

El Sistema, Music Education, Sound Minds, Sunshine Deffner