I received word yesterday that I am a finalist in the National Opera Association's biennial Chamber Opera Competition (2012-2014). My one-act opera Oblivion, along with two other composers' works, will be excerpted at NOA's Annual Convention in Portland next January. The winner will be produced in its entirety at the 2014 Convention.
Part of my doctoral dissertation, Oblivion was my treat to myself. It contains a lot of peculiarities that my creative and composerly self indulged in, but that may not appear particularly programming-friendly. The unfamiliar story, based on a two-page H.P. Lovecraft story with essentially no plot, interlaced with half a dozen poems by other authors, is not the stuff of your typical libretto. And the pit itself is quite small and unconventional: flute, guitar, cello, and three Himalayan singing bowls. Despite or perhaps because of these quirks, the work was selected. This is due in large part, I'm sure, to the excellent recording I got out of the premiere at the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC.
Many thanks to director Sasha Brätt, stage manager Alison Goldberg, singer/actors Rachel Barham, Melissa Kornacki, Christine Laird (Gahagan), James Rogers, and Alexander Wolniak, instrumentalists Jessica Bateman, Jesse Crites, and Daniel Shomper, and everyone else who helped make the premiere possible!
More announcements coming soon about upcoming performances for the 2012-2013 season.
Showing posts with label competitions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label competitions. Show all posts
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
2011 SCI/ASCAP Student Composition Commission
Does good news come in groups? Here's the first. I just found out that my opera Oblivion is a regional winner for the 2011 SCI/ASCAP Student Composition Commission! It's one of 2 works selected from our Mid-Atlantic Region. All 18 Regional winners now move on to national adjudication and a chance for a cash prize, and a commission for a new work to be performed/recorded/published. Pretty sweet deal! For those that don't know, Oblivion is an one-act opera that premiered at the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival in DC. Back in 2008, my art song in memoriam Hibakusha received the same SCI/ASCAP regional honor. Keep fingers crossed that Oblivion goes further. Either way, what a nice way to cap off my career as a student composer! Speaking of both composing and careers, I will have more news this week. Check back! |
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Deadline: ASCAP Morton Gould Awards
Attention Young Composers!
Another deadline is fast-approaching - The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. (PDF application)
Age limit: under 30 (as of 1/1/2011)
Due: March 1 (postmark)
Send: application form, 1 score, bio/education history, complete works list, recording (optional), & text-setting permissions (if applicable)
---Last year's stats (2010)---
Total Applicants: 730
Winners: 37 (5.07%)
Honorable Mentions: 15 (2.05%)
Non-Winers: 678 (92.88%)
Not bad as national competitions go. So cast your line. You might get a nibble.
Another deadline is fast-approaching - The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. (PDF application)
Age limit: under 30 (as of 1/1/2011)
Due: March 1 (postmark)
Send: application form, 1 score, bio/education history, complete works list, recording (optional), & text-setting permissions (if applicable)
---Last year's stats (2010)---
Total Applicants: 730
Winners: 37 (5.07%)
Honorable Mentions: 15 (2.05%)
Non-Winers: 678 (92.88%)
Not bad as national competitions go. So cast your line. You might get a nibble.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Composition Competition Tip #2: Be Prepared
Applying to competitions takes time, even apart from the creation and notation of the music itself. If you apply to more than three or four per year, you know how tedious and occasionally fruitless it can seem. It can be daunting, but once you have a routine, it becomes simple. Here are a few pointers to speed up the process:
1. Who Wants This? Keep a list of calls for scores that you want to enter, organized by their submission dates. Take note of whether the deadline is a postmark or received-by date. This list should be updated every month or so, or as needed. In general, I strongly recommend avoiding calls with application fees, unless you feel you have a strong work that is especially fitting for that call's requirements. You can find updated lists of competitions through various professional organizations (most of which require membership for viewing), such as SCI, ACF, AMC, NACUSA, and CMS, (conferences only). Finally, focus on competitions that are a good fit for the music you write, and don't be afraid to dream big.
2. Combs and Spirals and Wires (Oh My!) Make your scores look professional, both in their content and in their presentation. A really fantastic, concise guide by composer Alex Beard can be found here. To start, print on thicker 32-pound paper (not cardstock) using a laser printer. Not only are their cartridges longer-lasting and cheaper in the long run, they look and feel better. Alex prefers spiral binding, while I'm still using combs. Either way, making sure your score is held together will allow the adjudicators to spend more time looking at your score and less time collating it.
3. Hearing Is Believing CDs can go in those Priority Mail envelopes, too. (See #5 below on mailing.) Only send high-quality recordings of high-quality performances, or, if specifically mentioned in the posting, high-quality MIDI renderings (in MP3 format). Better for them to hear nothing than a poor product. Use slim cases to avoid cracks, and, for a cleaner look, consider some cheap and simple CD labeling software (such as the Memorex Label Maker Start Kit). Either way, also include a CD insert or separate sheet of paper with your name (unless it's anonymous!), the name of the competition, and titles/durations of each track. That way, when the CD is being played, they know what they're listening to.
4. My Mother's Maiden Name? In addition to the music-related stuff aforementioned, organizations also frequently ask for a bio (keep it under 100 words), program notes, a CV, and occasionally more specific info on the pieces being submitted. Update your bio and CV every month or two, and consider creating basic program notes a part of the compositional process. That way, they're always ready to go.
5. Thanks, US Postal Service www.usps.com allows you to purchase and print mailing labels online. To prepare, stop by your local post office and pick up a handful of Priority Mail envelopes. Make sure they say Flat Rate on them, so you can mail them without weighing. If you're sending more than three scores, pick up a Medium Flat Rate Box, though 11" x 17" scores likely won't fit the Priority Mail mailers. Then when the day comes to submit, simply visit usps.com, print and affix your label, and drop the item off in the nearest mailbox. Two- to three-day shipping meets convenience.
6. Behold... The Internets! Even better, some competitions allow or even require online submissions. Then you only need MP3 recordings and PDF scores. If you're using a Mac, choose "Save As PDF" when printing from your notation program. On a PC, use a free program such as CutePDF Writer to do the same thing.
In summary, be prepared. Aim to have an application package completed at least one week prior to the deadline so you'll have plenty of time to get it in. That's all for now. Write in with any questions, and best of luck in your hunt! As always, leave comments below, or contact me through my Profile Page or my website.
1. Who Wants This? Keep a list of calls for scores that you want to enter, organized by their submission dates. Take note of whether the deadline is a postmark or received-by date. This list should be updated every month or so, or as needed. In general, I strongly recommend avoiding calls with application fees, unless you feel you have a strong work that is especially fitting for that call's requirements. You can find updated lists of competitions through various professional organizations (most of which require membership for viewing), such as SCI, ACF, AMC, NACUSA, and CMS, (conferences only). Finally, focus on competitions that are a good fit for the music you write, and don't be afraid to dream big.
2. Combs and Spirals and Wires (Oh My!) Make your scores look professional, both in their content and in their presentation. A really fantastic, concise guide by composer Alex Beard can be found here. To start, print on thicker 32-pound paper (not cardstock) using a laser printer. Not only are their cartridges longer-lasting and cheaper in the long run, they look and feel better. Alex prefers spiral binding, while I'm still using combs. Either way, making sure your score is held together will allow the adjudicators to spend more time looking at your score and less time collating it.
3. Hearing Is Believing CDs can go in those Priority Mail envelopes, too. (See #5 below on mailing.) Only send high-quality recordings of high-quality performances, or, if specifically mentioned in the posting, high-quality MIDI renderings (in MP3 format). Better for them to hear nothing than a poor product. Use slim cases to avoid cracks, and, for a cleaner look, consider some cheap and simple CD labeling software (such as the Memorex Label Maker Start Kit). Either way, also include a CD insert or separate sheet of paper with your name (unless it's anonymous!), the name of the competition, and titles/durations of each track. That way, when the CD is being played, they know what they're listening to.
4. My Mother's Maiden Name? In addition to the music-related stuff aforementioned, organizations also frequently ask for a bio (keep it under 100 words), program notes, a CV, and occasionally more specific info on the pieces being submitted. Update your bio and CV every month or two, and consider creating basic program notes a part of the compositional process. That way, they're always ready to go.
5. Thanks, US Postal Service www.usps.com allows you to purchase and print mailing labels online. To prepare, stop by your local post office and pick up a handful of Priority Mail envelopes. Make sure they say Flat Rate on them, so you can mail them without weighing. If you're sending more than three scores, pick up a Medium Flat Rate Box, though 11" x 17" scores likely won't fit the Priority Mail mailers. Then when the day comes to submit, simply visit usps.com, print and affix your label, and drop the item off in the nearest mailbox. Two- to three-day shipping meets convenience.
6. Behold... The Internets! Even better, some competitions allow or even require online submissions. Then you only need MP3 recordings and PDF scores. If you're using a Mac, choose "Save As PDF" when printing from your notation program. On a PC, use a free program such as CutePDF Writer to do the same thing.
In summary, be prepared. Aim to have an application package completed at least one week prior to the deadline so you'll have plenty of time to get it in. That's all for now. Write in with any questions, and best of luck in your hunt! As always, leave comments below, or contact me through my Profile Page or my website.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
2009-2010 Composition Competitions and Conferences
For composers interested in diving into the competition/conference circuit this year, I have compiled information on select opportunities that I have my eye on. None have entry fees, though some have age/enrollment requirements, and some require conference attendance/registration fees if selected.
Of particular note to continuing students is the August 1, 2009 postmark deadline for the 2010 SCI Student National Conference (March 5-6) in West Virginia.
Opportunities (organized by deadline postmark date)
Academic conferences are listed in blue. View links for available instrumentation.
* August 1 - 2010 SCI Student National Conference (held March 5-6, 2010, at Marshall University in Huntington, WV). Call for scores, one-minute recorded works, paper presentations, and lecture recitals. The conference theme is Giving Voice: Social Justice and the Arts.
Must be an SCI member at time of performance.
* August 1 - 2010 SCI Region IV Conference (held February 4-6, 2010, at UNC in Greensboro, NC). Call for scores (including electronic), papers, and discussion panels.
Must be an SCI member at time of performance.
* August 2 - New Music Hartford 60/60 Concert. For works composed in 60 minutes. E-mail the host to sign up. At 3PM on August 2, 2009, the instrumentation is announced by e-mail. At 4PM, scores are due. Winning works are selected, and the concert is held August 30.
* August 15 (receipt deadline, e-submission accepted) - Soundcrawl Nashville. A sound-based art walk held October 3. They're asking for electronic works under 7 minutes, with detailed info on the tools and process used to create the audio. (If you submit a one-minute electronic work to the SCI Student National Conference, this could be the same one.)
* September 1 (e-submissions encouraged) - Wet Ink Ensemble. NYC chamber group seeking scores.
* September 15 (e-submissions required) - 2010 CMS Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (our region!) (held March 5-6, 2010, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC). Call for scores (PDF+MP3), including a Student Composers Competition category. (Must provide your own performers.)
Must be a CMS member at time of application and performance.
* September 15 - ASCAP/Lotte Lehmann Song Cycle Competition. Submit one art song, score and CD.
* October 5 - Symphony in C. Top-notch youth orchestra seeking 8-15-minute orchestra works, prior performance history allowed.
* December 2 (e-submissions required) - 2010 CMS National Conference (held September 23-26, 2010, in Minneapolis, MN). Call for scores (PDF+MP3), and papers/presentations on any college music-related topic. Conference Theme is "Music = Communication".
Must be a CMS member at time of application and performance.
There are two composition categories: (Contact me if these links won't work and you need more info.)
___* Compositions of 3 Minutes or Less: Call for scores (PDF+MP3) of 180 seconds or less, for one, two, or three players.
___* Choral Scores: Call for scores (PDF+MP3) for mixed chorus with or without piano, 5 minutes or less.
* February 13, 2010 (approx.) - BMI Student Composer Awards. Major national competition, for any classical work. Open to student composers under age 28 as of application date.
* March 1, 2010 - ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. Major national competition, for any classical work. Open to composers under age 30 as of January 1, 2010.
* March 15, 2010 (receipt deadline) - ALEA III International Composition Prize. Chamber/solo works for 1-15 players, 6-15 minutes long. Score only. Open to composers under age 40 as of application date.
Of particular note to continuing students is the August 1, 2009 postmark deadline for the 2010 SCI Student National Conference (March 5-6) in West Virginia.
Opportunities (organized by deadline postmark date)
Academic conferences are listed in blue. View links for available instrumentation.
* August 1 - 2010 SCI Student National Conference (held March 5-6, 2010, at Marshall University in Huntington, WV). Call for scores, one-minute recorded works, paper presentations, and lecture recitals. The conference theme is Giving Voice: Social Justice and the Arts.
Must be an SCI member at time of performance.
* August 1 - 2010 SCI Region IV Conference (held February 4-6, 2010, at UNC in Greensboro, NC). Call for scores (including electronic), papers, and discussion panels.
Must be an SCI member at time of performance.
* August 2 - New Music Hartford 60/60 Concert. For works composed in 60 minutes. E-mail the host to sign up. At 3PM on August 2, 2009, the instrumentation is announced by e-mail. At 4PM, scores are due. Winning works are selected, and the concert is held August 30.
* August 15 (receipt deadline, e-submission accepted) - Soundcrawl Nashville. A sound-based art walk held October 3. They're asking for electronic works under 7 minutes, with detailed info on the tools and process used to create the audio. (If you submit a one-minute electronic work to the SCI Student National Conference, this could be the same one.)
* September 1 (e-submissions encouraged) - Wet Ink Ensemble. NYC chamber group seeking scores.
* September 15 (e-submissions required) - 2010 CMS Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (our region!) (held March 5-6, 2010, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC). Call for scores (PDF+MP3), including a Student Composers Competition category. (Must provide your own performers.)
Must be a CMS member at time of application and performance.
* September 15 - ASCAP/Lotte Lehmann Song Cycle Competition. Submit one art song, score and CD.
* October 5 - Symphony in C. Top-notch youth orchestra seeking 8-15-minute orchestra works, prior performance history allowed.
* December 2 (e-submissions required) - 2010 CMS National Conference (held September 23-26, 2010, in Minneapolis, MN). Call for scores (PDF+MP3), and papers/presentations on any college music-related topic. Conference Theme is "Music = Communication".
Must be a CMS member at time of application and performance.
There are two composition categories: (Contact me if these links won't work and you need more info.)
___* Compositions of 3 Minutes or Less: Call for scores (PDF+MP3) of 180 seconds or less, for one, two, or three players.
___* Choral Scores: Call for scores (PDF+MP3) for mixed chorus with or without piano, 5 minutes or less.
* February 13, 2010 (approx.) - BMI Student Composer Awards. Major national competition, for any classical work. Open to student composers under age 28 as of application date.
* March 1, 2010 - ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. Major national competition, for any classical work. Open to composers under age 30 as of January 1, 2010.
* March 15, 2010 (receipt deadline) - ALEA III International Composition Prize. Chamber/solo works for 1-15 players, 6-15 minutes long. Score only. Open to composers under age 40 as of application date.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chicago Miniaturist Ensemble
My Miniature Symphony No. 1 in D Major was among 25 compositions recently selected for performance by the Chicago Miniaturist Ensemble at the end of this month. (They received 100 submissions!) The piece is for the entire ensemble: violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano.
A miniaturist ensemble performs works containing 100 notes or less. It should be a blast. So, if you're in the Chicago area on September 27, check out the concert!
Check out all the composers and the program at:
http://chicagominiaturist.wordpress.com/927-composers/
That is all for now. Maybe coming soon: an analysis of this 8-page, 90-second symphony. :)
A miniaturist ensemble performs works containing 100 notes or less. It should be a blast. So, if you're in the Chicago area on September 27, check out the concert!
Check out all the composers and the program at:
http://chicagominiaturist.wordpress.com/927-composers/
That is all for now. Maybe coming soon: an analysis of this 8-page, 90-second symphony. :)
Monday, September 8, 2008
SCI/ASCAP 2009 Student Composition Commission
Here's another (free) contest that every student SCI member should enter:
SCI/ASCAP 2009 Student Composition Commission
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2008
Get more information on the competition from the SCI website, or download the application form (PDF).
I wonder when the national winners for 2008 will be announced... :) Still dangling that tiniest fraction of hope out in front of us.
SCI/ASCAP 2009 Student Composition Commission
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2008
Get more information on the competition from the SCI website, or download the application form (PDF).
I wonder when the national winners for 2008 will be announced... :) Still dangling that tiniest fraction of hope out in front of us.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
CUA Post #4: Upcoming Competitions and SCI Conferences
For all interested composers... Here is some information for two upcoming composition competitions, followed by a list of SCI Conferences for the year. This information with more details can also be found on SCI's website (members only) and just outside Dr. Simpson's door. The SCI site lists many additional competitions.
CUA composers, some funding for travel expenses may be available for those going to an SCI conference. Please e-mail me if you're interested.
All deadlines are postmark unless otherwise noted.
***Two Composition Competitions***
#1
Chicago Miniaturist Ensemble Call for Works
Receipt Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2008 (this Friday! - e-mail submission only)
*100 notes maximum* (hence, a miniature)
Create an original score for 1-5 players using no more than one each of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano
"At this time, submissions are accepted via email only. Please send scores (and parts, if necessary) in PDF format to the email address below. MP3 recordings are welcome but not necessary. Please also include the composer's name, contact information (including email address), a brief biography and program notes.
Scores must be received by Friday, September 5th, 2008 to be considered for the first concert. Scores arriving after the deadline will be retained for future consideration."
Contact Information
For submissions: submissions AT chicagominiaturist DOT org
For questions: Info AT chicagominiaturist DOT org
Website: http://chicagominiaturist.wordpress.com/
#2
Symphony in C Young Composers' Competition 2008
Deadline: September 15, 2008
Performance: December 13, 2008
Eligibility: Born after December 13, 1978
Length: 8-15 Minutes (no soloists)
Max instrumentation: 3-3-3-3 (incl. standard doublings), 4-3-3-1, Timp., 3 Perc., 1 Kybd, Harp, Strings.
Website: http://symphonyinc.org/orchestra/young-composers-competition
***A List of SCI Conferences***
2008 Region VIII Conference: October 30-November 1, 2008
California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA
Deadline for submitting scores and papers: Saturday, September 6, 2008 (this Saturday!)
2009 SCI Region VI Conference: February 26-March 1, 2009
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK
Deadline for submitting scores: Monday, September 15, 2008 (two weeks from yesterday)
Deadline for submitting papers: Wednesday, October 1, 2008 (postmark or e-mail)
Notification of selected composers: November 2, 2008
*Note: This conference may be of particular interest to stage music composers, as one of the many ensembles they have available for performing selected works is the Oklahoma City University Opera and Musical Theater Workshop, which has requested submissions of one-act operas and musicals. Up to three scores submissions are permitted in any genre (stage or concert).
2009 SCI National Conference: April 2-4, 2009
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deadline for submitting scores/electronic sound installation proposals: October 1, 2008
Deadline for submitting papers/lectures: November 1, 2008
Notification of Accepted Works/Proposals: December 1, 2008
iSCI: The Composer's Perspective (SCI's new online journal)
Composers are asked to submit scores, audio, multi-media presentations, papers, "shop talk" discussions, podcast episodes, and anything else of interest to composers. Submissions exploiting the capabilities of online media are especially welcome.
Deadline for subitting scores/papers/other works: November 1, 2008
(The submission process is ongoing, but November 1 is the cutoff for the next issue.)
CUA composers, some funding for travel expenses may be available for those going to an SCI conference. Please e-mail me if you're interested.
All deadlines are postmark unless otherwise noted.
***Two Composition Competitions***
#1
Chicago Miniaturist Ensemble Call for Works
Receipt Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2008 (this Friday! - e-mail submission only)
*100 notes maximum* (hence, a miniature)
Create an original score for 1-5 players using no more than one each of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano
"At this time, submissions are accepted via email only. Please send scores (and parts, if necessary) in PDF format to the email address below. MP3 recordings are welcome but not necessary. Please also include the composer's name, contact information (including email address), a brief biography and program notes.
Scores must be received by Friday, September 5th, 2008 to be considered for the first concert. Scores arriving after the deadline will be retained for future consideration."
Contact Information
For submissions: submissions AT chicagominiaturist DOT org
For questions: Info AT chicagominiaturist DOT org
Website: http://chicagominiaturist.wordpress.com/
#2
Symphony in C Young Composers' Competition 2008
Deadline: September 15, 2008
Performance: December 13, 2008
Eligibility: Born after December 13, 1978
Length: 8-15 Minutes (no soloists)
Max instrumentation: 3-3-3-3 (incl. standard doublings), 4-3-3-1, Timp., 3 Perc., 1 Kybd, Harp, Strings.
Website: http://symphonyinc.org/orchestra/young-composers-competition
***A List of SCI Conferences***
2008 Region VIII Conference: October 30-November 1, 2008
California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA
Deadline for submitting scores and papers: Saturday, September 6, 2008 (this Saturday!)
2009 SCI Region VI Conference: February 26-March 1, 2009
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK
Deadline for submitting scores: Monday, September 15, 2008 (two weeks from yesterday)
Deadline for submitting papers: Wednesday, October 1, 2008 (postmark or e-mail)
Notification of selected composers: November 2, 2008
*Note: This conference may be of particular interest to stage music composers, as one of the many ensembles they have available for performing selected works is the Oklahoma City University Opera and Musical Theater Workshop, which has requested submissions of one-act operas and musicals. Up to three scores submissions are permitted in any genre (stage or concert).
2009 SCI National Conference: April 2-4, 2009
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deadline for submitting scores/electronic sound installation proposals: October 1, 2008
Deadline for submitting papers/lectures: November 1, 2008
Notification of Accepted Works/Proposals: December 1, 2008
iSCI: The Composer's Perspective (SCI's new online journal)
Composers are asked to submit scores, audio, multi-media presentations, papers, "shop talk" discussions, podcast episodes, and anything else of interest to composers. Submissions exploiting the capabilities of online media are especially welcome.
Deadline for subitting scores/papers/other works: November 1, 2008
(The submission process is ongoing, but November 1 is the cutoff for the next issue.)
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