Stephen Solook

Percussionist, Composer, Educator,

and Dyslexia Researcher

News

Updates are on going throughout the site, and some information is missing during the transition to a new format. If you have a question about something, please ask.

Jan. 14, 2021 - Some recent press about the NYSCA grant. Work is underway, and I'm very excited about what's been composed so far!

Niagara Frontier Publication - https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2022/01/13/149360/asi-helps-record-breaking-number-of-local-artists-receive-nysca-support-for-artists-funding

Buffalo Rising - https://www.buffalorising.com/2022/01/asi-helps-record-breaking-number-of-local-artists-receive-nysca-support-for-artists-funding/

Dec. 17, 2021 - I still can’t believe it, I received a NYSCA grant and top awards in a The Vibraphone Projects composition competition!

The Vibraphone Project Inc. recently had its first composition competition, and two of my new compositions received awards! Both pieces will be available through a Print and Bound collection, and one of those pieces will also be performed at an upcoming VPI event in 2022. As information becomes available I’ll announce more.

I won a NYSCA Individual Grant for me to write a new composition about my dyslexia and vibraphone! The plan is for a large multi-movement work, 30 plus minutes in length. It’ll include a lot of the experiments I’ve been working on with the vibraphone, but also will deal with my experience and research with dyslexia. I couldn’t have received this grant without the support of Art Services Inc. and Tiffany Du Mouchelle, and am indebted to their support!

Here’s part of Governor Hochul’s statement, “These awardees represent the best of what New York’s vibrant communities have to offer and with this funding in hand, they will be able to not only continue their creative and inspiring work, but help spur revitalization in their own backyard as well,”

NYSCA's Round 3 Grants Invest More Than 1.6 Million in 55 WNY Organizations and ArtistsOn December 13th Governor Kathy Hochul announced $45 million in grant awards through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Grants administered by NYSCA this year will provide critical aid to bolster nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists as they embark on a multi-year recover

May 27, 2021 - I was named a finalist for Arts Services Inc. 2021 Spark Awards. I am honored and thrilled to be acknowledged by such a prominent in important organization in Western New York. Here is a link to a recent interview article in the publication Buffalo Rising about my nomination.

www.buffalorising.com/2021/05/spark-spotlight-stephen-solook-artist-of-the-year-finalist/

March 29, 2020 - I'm thrilled to announce that I've been selected as one of three finalists for the Artist of the Year, Arts Services Inc. 2021 Spark Award. Thank you to all for the support! The awards ceremony will be held virtually on May 26.

2021 Spark Awards HonoreesWe are very excited to announce the finalists and honorees of the eighth annual Spark Awards presented by M&T Bank! ASI’s annual Spark Awards celebrates and honors outstanding individuals and organizations from across Western New York for their dedication, talent, and impact on the arts and cultural sector. The honorees and finalists are selected every

March 12, 2020 - When we lost Chick Corea a few weeks ago, I was reminded of Crystal Silence and the impact it had on me as a musician. The colors he and Gary Burton are able to find on this album are something I think I have subconsciously strived for since my first listening. Here's my rendition of Children Song 1. Thank you for the inspiration!

Corea, Chick - Children's Song 1.mp4

February 25, 2021 - Cultures in Harmony video for "Connect 4" now available.

February 11, 2021 - Cultures in Harmony project "Connect 4" video in the works. Project involves performers from four different countries including: Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United States.
January 2021 - University at Buffalo Dance Classes have started up again and I'm thrilled to be joining them via zoom. It feels good to be working with dancers again.