2022 ISJAC Commission: Fundamental Freedoms
Commission Prize – $2,500
Plus
A world premier performance at the 2022 Jazz Composers’ Symposium & A $500 travel allowance
May 12-14, 2022 Butler School of Music, Austin, TX.
ISJAC eagerly anticipates its 2022 Symposium in Austin, TX, where the international community of jazz composers will, once again, gather together. But we also recognize the concerns many of our members have expressed regarding new laws passed by the Texas State legislature.
ISJAC is not a political organization. Our mission is to serve the international community of jazz composers. But through the generosity of our members, with a lead gift initiated by Kelsey Shiba and support from many others, ISJAC is pleased to announce a special commission that will debut during the conference.
Through this new commission opportunity, we are delighted to offer yet another creative opportunity for our members, while we strongly reaffirm our commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and equal opportunity.
Eligibility: The commission is open to all women jazz composers regardless of age or nationality.* There is no application fee; but all applicants must be full (paid) members of ISJAC. To join www.isjac.org
*Please be aware that if the commission recipient is not a US citizen, the prize amount may be different owing to governmental fees and taxes
The work: The piece should be no longer than 8 minutes and scored for any instrumentation made up from the members of a standard big band – 5/4/4/PBGD (woodwind doubles are allowed). Soloists or instrumentation outside of this MUST be provided by the composer for the performance at their own expense. Please recognize this limitation is observed so that the piece may be performed at a Symposium with the resident jazz ensemble.
Application Process:
- Project Narrative – Please explain in a few paragraphs (300 words or fewer) how your work will address our theme of “Fundamental Freedoms.”
- Work Sample – Each application should include a PDF score along with an mp3 recording of the submitted work that demonstrate the capacity to complete this commission effectively.
Timeline:
Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, Oct. 11th. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM, Thurs., Nov. 4th Eastern Time. No late applications will be considered.
Eligibility is inclusive to transgender and non-binary applicants.
ISJAC affirms its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through its prize and commission programs. The Owen Prize, Prize for Emerging Black Composers, and Fundamental Freedoms Commission strive to promote the recognition and engagement of individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and embrace diverse perspectives in the field of jazz composition and arranging.
We strongly encourage the submission of applications from members of groups typically underrepresented in awards programming and within the jazz composition and arranging community at large.
The application deadline has passed.