The International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers is delighted to announce the due dates and guidelines for the Fundamental Freedoms Commission. The selected composer will receive a world premier performance at an upcoming ISJAC event, a $2,500 USD cash award, and a $500 USD travel stipend to attend the performance. The winning composer will also be offered a publication contract with iJazzMusic for international distribution of their work and a 1-year JazzComposersPresent.com Annual Tier membership.

Eligibility:  The prize is open to all jazz composers who identify as female, non-binary, or transgender regardless of age or nationality.* There is no application fee; but all applicants must be full (paid) members of ISJAC. If you are not already a member, you may join here.

*Please be aware that if the commission recipient is not a U.S. citizen, there may be additional government and transaction fees/taxes withheld.

The work:  The newly commissioned piece should be no longer than 8 minutes and scored for any instrumentation of 9 or more individuals made up from the members of a standard big band – 5/4/4/GPBD (standard woodwind doubles and brass mutes 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 by the resident jazz ensemble at a future ISJAC event.

Application Guidelines:  Those wishing to apply for this commission should submit the following materials via the portal on the ISJAC website:

• Application Form
• Project Narrative in PDF format – Explain in a few paragraphs (300 words or fewer) how your new work will address the theme of “Fundamental Freedoms.” “Fundamental Freedoms” is intended to represent the basic rights and liberties that are considered essential to the functioning of a just and democratic society.
• Work Samples – Provide two representative samples of previously composed pieces that highlight your best work in the form of PDF scores and mp3 recordings. The score key may either be concert or transposed.

The composer/arranger’s name and identifying information must be removed from the score and recording before submitting. Those with identifying information still visible will be disqualified. 

Dates:  All applications must be received by October 18, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered. Notification of the winning application will be made in December 2024.

Adjudication:  ISJAC will select a panel of highly regarded, professional jazz composers tasked with reviewing all applications and selecting a single work they believe displays exceptional creativity, technical mastery, and musicality. 

APPLICATION PORTAL WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2024.

Link to Application (Viewable by Members Only)