Music of the Unsung America: Celebrating Black Composers in the Shadows of History is a multi-event concert and conversation series that spotlights Black performers presenting works by Black music creators. We seek preexisting works for orchestra or orchestra and chorus from music creators who identify as Black for a performance by a new South Florida–based ensemble, scheduled to take place in December 2021 in Miami, Florida. We are seeking works that are no longer than 20 minutes in duration, movements of longer works will be considered. One selected composer will receive a performance of their work, a $3,000 cash award, hotel accommodations, domestic travel to and from the performance, and per diem. We are seeking works by Black composers who have substantial ties and/or are a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Colier, St. Lucie. For complete guidelines and application via SlideRoom, visit https://composersforum.org/programs/music-of-the-unsung-america/
Eligibility:
In keeping with our organization’s mission to support the “Music of the Unsung America” project and also supporting local artists: we are seeking works by Black composers of all ages and stages of creative lives who have substantial ties and/or are permanently residing in South Florida. Applicants must have substantial ties to and/or be a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Colier, St. Lucie.
Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. DACA status applicants are eligible to apply.
Award:
The selected composer/creator will receive a performance of their work, a $3,000 cash award, hotel accommodations for rehearsals and performance, domestic travel to and from the performance, per diem, and $300 honorarium for panel discussion. The composer will also receive a recording of the performance for archival purposes.
Notification:
Applicants will be notified via email of their application status by June 2021.
Scores and parts for the selected works will need to be submitted by July 31, 2021.
Application Instructions:
Each composer may submit only one composition for consideration.
Compositions must not be more than 20 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work may also be considered, and the length of that segment is up to the discretion of the organization’s artistic staff.
Instrumentation should not exceed the standard symphonic complement: winds at 2-flutes, 2-oboes, 2-clarinets, 2-bassoons; brass at 2-horns, 2-trumpets, 2-trombones, 1-tuba; harp, piano, 2 percussion, and strings. Doublings allowed: piccolo, bass clarinet, English horn, contrabassoon, and bass trombone. If the submitted work does not meet this orchestration, composers should expect some re-orchestration will be requested if chosen.
Works for the orchestra complement listed above and Choir (SATB) will also be accepted.
If text/lyrics/words are used, proof of public domain or author’s written permission for use of text is required.
Compositions may not include instrumental or vocal soloists, MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement.
If available, please submit a recording of the work or a MIDI realization.
The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work.
Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
The composer selected is responsible for delivering professional-quality score and parts, but a printing stipend of up to $500 will be provided to offset costs.
How to apply:
Applicants must complete a free online submission form via SlideRoom.
Upload or submit links to pdfs of the score(s) (up to 10MB) clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the work on the cover page. Please include a full instrumentation list after the cover page. The application process must be completed by 11:59 pm CST on February 1, 2021. Late submissions will not be considered. For complete guidelines and application via SlideRoom, visit https://composersforum.org/programs/music-of-the-unsung-america/
Selection Process:
A panel of five professional musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, selected by Portia Dunkley in consultation with ACF, will review all submissions through a multi-round review process. The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. Pieces will also be evaluated according to these broad criteria: Originality, Creative Potential, Overall Musical Effect, Technique, and Impact on the artist and their work if selected for Music of the Unsung America.
Address Questions to:
Portia Dunkley, Executive Director, Email: portia@americaunsung.org
Deadline 1 February 2021
Website composersforum.org
