Joseph E. Fischoff and the South Bend Chamber Music Society (South Bend, Indiana, USA) founded the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 1973 as a way of encouraging young people to pursue chamber music study and performance. Today, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is a United States 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation led by a team of dedicated staff, supported by members of a National Advisory Council, and governed by a board of directors.[1][2]
The Fischoff Competition has grown from 6 to an average of 48 participating ensembles in both wind and string categories of three to six performers.[3] An average of 22 different nationalities are represented each year by foreign nationals from South America, Asia, and Europe. Fischoff is the only national chamber music competition with both senior and junior[4] divisions (age 18 and younger), and is the largest. Winning a prize at the Fischoff is a coveted honor for young chamber musicians across the nation and around the world. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Winners of the Fischoff Grand Prize also participate in an international Winner's Tour.[14]
The primary focus of the competition has always been education. In this way, it is quite different from most competitions. Written comments and personal critiques from jurors help young emerging chamber musicians better their interpretation and performance. Master classes are also offered to junior division quarterfinalist ensembles.
In addition to the competition, Fischoff is dedicated to enrichment opportunities for regional community children. Fischoff is uniquely able to engage its national pool of Fischoff musicians in reaching more than 6,000 children throughout Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan each year. Through free Arts-in-Education Residency programs at schools, libraries and community centers, Fischoff’s outreach programs have reached more than 43,700 children and youth since 1995.
Fischoff's Residency programs were recognized as "outstanding" and were one of two Indiana programs highlighted in the 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Annual Report.[15]
In May, 2009, the State of Indiana General Assembly honored Fischoff for its innovative programs introducing young people to chamber music.[16][17]
S.A.M. I Am, Fischoff's Stories & Music Program, reinforces the importance of reading through the power of music. S.A.M. I Am programs allow children, ages 4-9, to hear books transformed with flair and imagination by nationally recognized musicians.
Fischoff's Artist-of-the-Month program recognizes the achievements of outstanding high school musicians within the Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan region.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Jam family concerts provide a fun, nontraditional approach to chamber music where children are encouraged to dance, touch the instruments and interact with the musicians.
The Mentoring Project provides an opportunity for regional high school chamber ensembles to receive coaching by professional area musicians at no charge.
Peer Ambassadors for Chamber Music (PACMan) pairs Junior Division Fischoff Competition ensembles with younger students, to offer a friendly introduction to chamber music in a kids-teaching-kids model.