Good Vibrations

WONDERWORKS in association with faculty of the SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC, RICE UNIVERSITY presents an exploration of music history/genres.

20 June - 21 July 2023 | 10AM - 4PM, M-F | Rice University

 

Augustus Pugin and Thomas Rowlandson, Covent Garden Theater, London. (Rudolph Ackermann, The Microcosm of London, 1808-10) 

 

Without music, life would be a mistake.

Friedrich Nietzsche Twilight of the Idols, 1889 

Music is more technologically accessible today than ever before — even the act of walking or driving down the street or sitting at one’s computer or working out at the gym becomes the occasion for a private concert.  Yet the tutelage that would make us more adventurous and discerning listeners to music of all kinds is rarely part of our educational experience. Instead what we know tends to be a catch-as-catch-can assortment of whatever happens to be in the air or on the internet — a looping rather than expanding playlist. 

The challenge of bending your ears this summer to some of the most astonishing music ever made may be the beginning of a lifelong project, plumbing the digital as well as “vinyl deeps.”  You’ll listen smarter and wider as a result of the perspectives our musicologists and other expert guides bring to the turntable each day, from classical and opera to the here and now, plus a bit of everything in-between.  And since film has been there to capture the sound and look of musical entertainment long before MTV or You Tube were invented, each afternoon you’ll have a front row seat for top shelf documentaries and performances of all kinds.  No knowledge of musical theory expected or required, just an open mind and ears to match.


Good Vibrations is open to high school students of special promise and ability who will be entering grades 10, 11, or 12 next fall or who will have just graduated from high school this spring. Admission is competitive – Wonderworks requires at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average plus a high level of achievement in relevant core subjects and commensurate scores on relevant sections of the PSAT/SAT or ACT.

Tuition and fees (not including parking) are $750. Scholarships are available in the form of full-tuition waivers, but only for students demonstrating true financial need. Admissions are determined on a need-blind basis. No student will be prevented from participating in the program because of inability to pay tuition.

The program is held at the Rice University campus, Monday – Friday, except 3-4 July. Good Vibrations is meant to be enjoyable, but is also challenging and requires focused effort and commitment.

Please apply online starting 1 January. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 19 May 10 June. Early applications are encouraged and will receive early decisions. Late applications will be considered only if space remains available.

If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail info@wonderworkshouston.org or call 713.594.9561.