News
Fischoff Chamber Music Academy Ensemble Wins Top Honor at Statewide Competition
Notre Dame, IN (April 14, 2026) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is pleased to announce that the BEAR Quartet, an ensemble in the Fischoff Chamber Music Academy, won first place at the 36th Annual Chamber Music Festival & Competition presented by the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MASTA). The competition took place on March 2, 2026, at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
The BEAR Quartet includes students from St. Joseph High School: Tyler J., violin; Seth M., violin; Owen W., viola; and Ryan L., cello. The ensemble is coached by Steve Reed, supported by St. Joseph High School’s orchestra director, Burke Lokey.
Hosted by the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association, the annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival & Competition brings together talented student ensembles from across the state for a day of performances, coaching sessions, and adjudication by professional musicians and educators. The event provides young string players in grades 7–12 with an opportunity to refine their ensemble skills and perform major chamber repertoire in a competitive setting.
The BEAR Quartet was formed in 2025 through Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy, a year-long (September–June) pre-college program for junior high and high school students. Each year, string, piano, woodwind, brass, and mixed ensembles of three to six musicians in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan are selected to participate in a cohort of like-minded individuals seeking specialized classical music education. Students receive 8–12 professional coaching sessions per Academy year, competition preparation, and community outreach opportunities, while participating in masterclasses, workshops, and annual public performances.
Ryan, the cellist of the BEAR Quartet, stated, “Participating in the Fischoff Chamber Music Academy this year has been a great experience for me as a musician and as a person. We met and learned from many amazing groups, like the Verona or the Katarina String Quartets, who helped us build our bonds as quartet members and hone several new skills.”
Ensemble coach Steve Reed remarked, “Chamber music is the most challenging and highest form of music for any serious musician. Everyone is a soloist! Chamber musicians must communicate nonverbally as a team to pull off technically sound and musical performances. The BEAR Quartet from St. Joseph High School performed well beyond their years as the winners of the MASTA [Michigan American String Teachers Association] Chamber Music Competition. It was my privilege to be their coach on the beautiful and expressive Florence Price String Quartet.”
Josh Aerie, Fischoff Executive Director, stated, “Congratulations to the BEAR Quartet! Tyler, Seth, Owen, and Ryan embody Fischoff’s longstanding commitment to excellence, education, and community engagement through the power of collaborative music-making. The Fischoff Chamber Music Academy’s mission to inspire the next generation of chamber musicians is alive and well, thanks to ensembles like the BEAR Quartet.”
Megan Simmons, Fischoff Chamber Music Academy Director, added, “It is incredibly rewarding to see the BEAR Quartet’s dedication and collaborative spirit recognized at the state level. Opportunities like the MASTA Competition allow our students to apply what they learn through the Academy’s coaching, masterclasses, and performances, and we are so proud of the musical growth they have demonstrated this year.”
To learn more about Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy, visit: https://www.fischoff.org/education/fischoff-chamber-music-academy/
Media Contact: Genevieve Carreno, genevieve@fischoff.org
Phone: 574.631.2903
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff® National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
Fischoff is a unique arts organization that has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. Fischoff is also known for extensive outreach programming during the Competition weekend and throughout the year, partnering with its Competition alumni to bring innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 105,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Amo Brass Names Fischoff’s 2026 Ann Divine Educator Award Winner
Notre Dame, IN (March 26, 2026) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is delighted to announce that Amo Brass has been selected as the winner of Fischoff’s 2026 Ann Divine Educator Award. This national award recognizes the educational outreach work of Fischoff Competition alumni who have demonstrated outstanding and imaginative programming for children and youth in the United States. It honors musicians who have established professional careers in chamber music and have proven their ability to successfully build a career in both chamber music performance and educational outreach.
Named in honor of retired Executive Director Ann Divine, this award recognizes her visionary leadership in cultivating community outreach through chamber music. As the winner of the Ann Divine Educator Award, Amo Brass will receive a coveted endorsement from Fischoff, a cash award, and a weeklong Arts-in-Education residency in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Indiana. Taking place November 16-22, 2026, Amo Brass will conduct workshops and perform interactive concerts in schools, community centers, and libraries. The week will include multiple performances of Fischoff’s flagship program, Stories and Music: S.A.M. I Am, which musically reenacts a children’s book and will be featured as a free, community concert at the St. Joseph County Public Library. Amo Brass will also work with Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy and Elkhart County’s El Sistema (ECoSistema) students to dig deeper into the art of chamber music with children and teens who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities.
Amo Brass members, Connor Holland, trumpet, Josh Bialkin, trumpet, Olivia Martinez, horn, David Seder, trombone, and Vivian Kung, tuba, came together in 2020 as a group of friends wanting to safely make music outside during a pandemic. This ensemble of Yale School of Music alumni is based in the Tri-State area and is passionate about education, community engagement, and performance. Prior to receiving Fischoff’s American Brass Quintet Prize at Fischoff’s 50th Anniversary Competition in 2023, Amo Brass won the Gold Medal at the Cambridge International Music Competition, first prize in the BTHVN Wien Competition, and honorable mention at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition. They have been featured artists at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and as part of Chamber Music America’s annual conference showcase concerts.
Amo Brass’ vision for their ensemble is to provide a musical experience with artistic excellence blended with a commitment to accessible education, cultural leadership, and public service. All members are alumni of the Yale Music in Schools Initiative, which delivers free music education to underserved public school students of the New Haven community. Educational outreach tours are core to their mission, and they have partnered with organizations such as the Virginia Arts Festival, Arts for Learning CT, Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival, and Quogue Chamber Music. Amo Brass is committed to supporting new music and living composers. In 2025, fueled by New England Conservatory’s Entrepreneurial Music Grant, they spearheaded a consortium to fund a new work for brass quintet by dynamic artist Aliyah Danielle.
Fischoff’s Education Director, Kara Kane, is pleased to welcome back Amo Brass and to highlight the artistry of brass chamber music. “Amo Brass left an indelible mark upon audiences during our 50th Anniversary Competition. Their commitment to education and to expanding the impact of brass repertoire for the next generation is truly inspiring. As individuals, they also bring distinguished experience as public servants, with several members serving as band members in the West Point Band and Naval Academy Band, and as a fellow of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. We’re thrilled for them to share with our students the many possibilities music can offer—from bringing stories to life through S.A.M. I Am to using their instruments and music as a force for community impact.”
On behalf of Amo Brass, Olivia Martinez responded to news of the award, “We are elated to receive the Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association! Performing at the Fischoff Competition was a formative opportunity for our ensemble, and in partnering with Fischoff, we hope to connect with many students to bring them interactive and inspiring musical experiences!”
Fischoff’s Educator Award Residency is generously made possible by lead sponsor the Shein Trust, and in part with the support of Anonymous, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and The Fort Wayne Saint Mary Mother of God Parish Heritage Fund, Diocese of Fort Wayne South Bend. Visit www.fischoff.org for more details.
Media Contact: Genevieve Carreno, genevieve@fischoff.org
Phone: 574.631.2903
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff® National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
Fischoff is a unique arts organization that has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. Fischoff is also known for extensive outreach programming during the Competition weekend and throughout the year, partnering with its Competition alumni to bring innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 105,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Fischoff Collaborates with University of Notre Dame for 2026 Chamber Music Summer Intensive
Notre Dame, IN (March 19, 2026) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is excited to announce a new collaboration with the University of Notre Dame that supports the expansion of the annual Fischoff Summer Chamber Music Intensive.
The collaboration includes the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, Department of Music, and Sacred Music at Notre Dame. The 2026 Summer Intensive, taking place June 22-26, includes a relocation to the Notre Dame campus and an increased capacity to accept up to 34 students. The program also welcomes new faculty-in-residence: 2014 Fischoff Competition Grand Prize Winner Telegraph Quartet, and Notre Dame faculty pianist Daniel Schlosberg.
Students participate in a weeklong intensive program, working intimately in small ensembles of 3-6 musicians to strengthen both performance and life skills such as collaboration, communication, leadership, respect, and creative problem-solving through chamber music. Fischoff‘s Summer Chamber Music Intensive was founded in 2023 in collaboration with Saint Mary’s College and the South Bend Youth Symphony with the mission of supporting young musicians as they dive deeply into the world of chamber music.
“This significant, new collaboration with Notre Dame allows Fischoff to expand our successful Summer Intensive initiative and continue providing life-changing experiences through chamber music”, said Josh Aerie, Fischoff Executive Director. “On behalf of Fischoff, I’m deeply grateful for both Saint Mary’s College and the South Bend Youth Symphony’s initial collaboration that, for the past three years, helped to lay the foundation for this expansion,” Aerie added.
“Fischoff’s Summer Intensive is designed to be more than a week of music-making—it’s a transformational experience for young musicians. It’s so rewarding to provide the opportunity for students, through chamber music, to learn to listen deeply, communicate respectfully, lead with confidence, and collaborate to create something wonderful to share with the community and build lasting musical friendships. The Fischoff Summer Intensive cultivates a unique environment where young musicians feel challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their highest potential,” said Megan Simmons, Fischoff Chamber Music Academy & Summer Intensive Director and Operations Manager.
“The Notre Dame Arts Initiative, launched in 2024, is redefining the arts as a vital part of campus and community life. Hosting the Fischoff Summer Intensive not only provides young musicians a transformative opportunity to train and perform on Notre Dame’s campus, it also strengthens our region’s creative ecosystem through early arts education, community engagement, and thoughtful collaboration,” said Michael Schreffler, director of the Notre Dame Arts Initiative. “We are thrilled to welcome the 2026 Summer Intensive students and faculty to campus.”
The application deadline for the 2026 Summer Intensive is Sunday, April 19, at 11:59 PM (EST). A $50 early-bird discount is available until Sunday, March 22. Additional information and audition requirements can be found at: www.fischoff.org/education/summer-intensive/
Media Contact: Genevieve Carreno, genevieve@fischoff.org
Phone: 574.631.2903
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff® National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
Fischoff is a unique arts organization that has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. Fischoff is also known for extensive outreach programming during the Competition weekend and throughout the year, partnering with its Competition alumni to bring innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 105,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Fischoff Receives Grant from Everwise Foundation
Notre Dame, IN (February 27, 2026) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Everwise Foundation in support of the Fischoff Chamber Music Academy.
Founded in 1999, the Fischoff Chamber Music Academy is a year-long (September-June) pre-college program for junior high and high school students. Each year, string, piano, woodwind, brass, and mixed ensembles of three to six musicians in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan are selected to participate in a cohort of like-minded individuals seeking specialized classical music education. Students receive 8-12 professional coaching sessions per Academy year, competition preparation, and community outreach opportunities, while participating in masterclasses, workshops, and annual public performances.
Everwise Foundation Executive Director, Jennifer Stansberry, explained, “Fischoff plays an invaluable role in our community through mentorship programs that offer encouragement, coaching, and support to students to help them reach their full potential. We congratulate them on the success of the Academy and look forward to following the growth of these up-and-coming musicians.”
“We are grateful to the Everwise Foundation for their support and investment in the arts,” remarked Josh Aerie, Executive Director of Fischoff. “This grant allows Fischoff to continue offering educational programs to students in our community who may not otherwise have access to professional musicians and coaching. I’m excited to see how our partnership with Everwise and the Everwise Foundation can deepen our impact within the Michiana region.”
Fischoff’s Academy Director, Megan Simmons, has overseen the program since 2024, working to expand the cohort size and outreach opportunities for Academy ensembles. “This grant from the Everwise Foundation comes at the perfect time. As the Academy looks to become more sustainable and scalable, their generosity plays a key role in supporting our students, families, and coaches,” said Simmons. “Thank you to Everwise and the Everwise Foundation for believing in the ability of music to change lives.”
To learn more about Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy, visit: https://www.fischoff.org/education/fischoff-chamber-music-academy/
Everwise Foundation: https://www.everwisecu.com/about-us/everwise-foundation
Media Contact: Genevieve Carreno, genevieve@fischoff.org
Phone: 574.631.2903
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff® National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
Fischoff is a unique arts organization that has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. Fischoff is also known for extensive outreach programming during the Competition weekend and throughout the year, partnering with its Competition alumni to bring innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 105,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Arts Commission Invests in Fischoff
Arts Commission invests in Fischoff National Chamber Music Association to strengthen South Bend and the surrounding area through arts and creativity
SOUTH BEND, IN – DECEMBER 12, 2025 – The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $10,802 to Fischoff National Chamber Music Association through the Arts Organization Support grant program. Arts Organization Support grants provide annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations.
During its July Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs. 545 applications were reviewed by 133 panelists from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management. The Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs are facilitated in partnership with the IAC Regional Arts Partners, who work alongside the agency to promote and expand participation in the arts in Indiana. Between both programs, $2,438,998 will be awarded to 345 nonprofit and public entities, with 80 of Indiana’s 92 counties receiving direct investment through a funded arts organization or arts project.
“This is an exciting time for our state and for the many organizations selected and their communities.” said Dave Haist, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “Each of our Commissioners believe deeply in the critical importance of the arts in making Indiana a place for all to want to live and work and for those not within our state to consider Indiana as a place to locate their families and businesses and invest in Indiana’s future.”
“We are deeply honored to receive this grant, which reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team,” said Josh Aerie, Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. “This support will enable us to continue our mission of promoting chamber music excellence and accessibility. We extend our gratitude to the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as legislators Governor Mike Braun, Senator David Niezgodski, and Representative Ryan Dvorak for their trust in our work.”
“Art and creativity create stronger, more connected Hoosier communities,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “Across Indiana, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life of Hoosiers and drives economic development within our state. We are proud to support organizations and projects that develop connections, foster the entrepreneurial spirit of communities, and create the kinds of places where people want to live, work, study, and stay.”
Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Media Contact:
Fischoff National Chamber Music Association
Phone: 574.631.2903
Email: fischoff@fischoff.org
Website: www.fischoff.org
About Fischoff
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff® National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
Fischoff is a unique arts organization that has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. Fischoff is also known for extensive outreach programming during the Competition weekend and throughout the year, partnering with its Competition alumni to bring innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served more than 105,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.
Fischoff Welcomes Josh Aerie as Executive Director
FISCHOFF NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC ASSOCIATION NAMES JOSH AERIE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Notre Dame, IN (July 24, 2025) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association President Harriet Hamer, on behalf of the Board of Directors, and Artistic Director Thomas Rosenberg, have appointed Josh Aerie as its newest Executive Director, beginning September 2nd, 2025.
Josh Aerie is a nonprofit executive, cellist, chamber musician, and symphonic conductor who is passionate about bringing music into the lives of others. Throughout his diverse career, Aerie has worked to harness the power of the musical arts to catalyze and transform communities.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, Aerie was Executive Director of The Music Village, a community musical arts center and school in downtown South Bend, Indiana, a position he held for over 10 years. Under his leadership, The Music Village saw significant institutional growth, with exponential increases in enrollment, programming, philanthropy, facilities, and partnerships.
Aerie also founded the Woodland Chamber Music Workshop, an annual summer festival for adult musicians in northern Minnesota. Since 2007, the Workshop has attracted participants from across the country for a week of intensive chamber ensemble coaching, seminars, and performances with faculty.
Beyond his administrative leadership, Aerie maintains an active performance career as cellist in the Sylvan Trio, a flute-cello-piano ensemble that performs throughout the U.S. Founded in 2013, The Trio can be heard on classical radio and streaming services across the globe, including over 25 features on Performance Today, the nation’s most listened-to classical music radio program. The Sylvans are strong proponents for new music and underrepresented composers and are known for dynamic performances that blur the line between stage and audience.
The Sylvan Trio
As a conductor, Aerie has served as music director of symphonies in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin. Most recently, he was Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Indiana’s oldest ensemble, where he instituted live-streamed educational programming, a regional youth concerto competition, and a nationwide composition competition. While living in Minnesota, Aerie served on the music faculties of the University of Wisconsin Superior, College of St. Scholastica, and Minnesota North College. He also co-founded the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, served as Chair of the state’s largest Arts Council, and was Advisor to the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Aerie completed undergraduate degrees at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music and was cellist in the graduate string quartet at the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied with the Takács Quartet and earned a Master of Music.
Aerie is stepping into the role following Interim Executive Director and Fischoff Board Member Don Crafton, who succeeded Scott Campbell in early 2025. Fischoff’s Board President, Harriet Hamer, remarked, “On behalf of the Fischoff organization, staff, and Board Directors, we welcome cellist Mr. Josh Aerie as the newly appointed Fischoff Chamber Music Association Executive Director. We are grateful for the thoughtful nominating committee process that brought Mr. Aerie’s impressive candidacy to Fischoff. We look forward to Josh‘s leadership as together, we expand, grow, and promote the Fischoff mission, vision, and values of chamber music excellence and education.“
Tom Rosenberg, Artistic Director of Fischoff since 1981, said, “I am excited to welcome Josh as our new Executive Director and for the energy and wisdom he will bring to the organization. I look forward to getting to know him and working together as the Fischoff moves forward into this next chapter.”
In anticipation of joining the team, Aerie stated, “As a long-time admirer of the Fischoff, its unparalleled impact on chamber music worldwide, and commitment to community enrichment, I’m deeply honored to join the Fischoff team as Executive Director. The ethos of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association aligns directly with my own as a chamber music advocate, educator, performer, and administrative leader. I’m excited to work with the staff, board of directors, and advisory board to steward the Fischoff into its next chapter of growth and success.
“Chamber music has the power to inspire, promote interpersonal connections, enhance cultural understanding, build community, and evoke joy. I’m eager to perpetuate and grow Fischoff’s impactful legacy in these ways and more in the years ahead.”
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Media Contact:
Geneviéve Carreño, Program & Marketing Manager
genevieve@fischoff.org
ABOUT FISCHOFF
Founded in South Bend, IN, in 1973, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association hosts the Fischoff Competition, the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation. More than 8,400 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.
This unique arts organization has secured its place as the nation’s premier educational chamber music competition because of the caliber of its jurors, performance venues, and well-known alumni. It is also known for extensive outreach programming during the competition and throughout the year. The Fischoff uniquely partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative music programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, these programs have served over 100,000 community children, reaching more than 4,000 underserved youth annually.