CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2018

Feb 14

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The Mid America Freedom Band is accepting proposals for a new work for concert band from composers regardless of age, nationality, or style. The proposed 6–7 minute long original piece should tie in with the ensemble’s 16th season theme of “Colors.” This new work will be performed on the ensemble’s Spring 2019 concert.

MAFB is Kansas City’s community ensemble of LGBTQ+ and allied musicians with 70+ playing members. MAFB provides opportunities for instrumental music lovers to share their passion of performance with the diverse community of Kansas City. It strives for excellence while promoting equality, fostering education, and celebrating the joy shared through music. Performing works by composers traditionally underrepresented on the concert stage is central to organization’s mission.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Composer can be of any age or nationality working in any style.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

1. Cover letter with name, address, email, phone number, website (if possible).
2. Brief biography (approximately 250 words).
3. Written proposal for new work addressing how it will fit with the theme (“Colors”) and the ensemble’s mission. A brief sketch of musical materials may be included but is not required. PLEASE DO NOT SEND COMPLETED WORKS.
4. Two sample .pdfs of recent works. Preference is for large ensemble works and those involving winds and percussion instruments. Sound samples or realizations of the works submitted are also encouraged but not required. A permanent, direct link to a specific .pdf or soundfile is also permitted. If the proposal includes an electronic component, one of the sample works must include electronics and be accompanied by a sound sample.
5. There is no fee to submit materials.
6. Submit all materials electronically to composition@freedomband.com by April 1, 2018, 11:59 p.m. CST.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After April 1, 2018, a five-person panel of the MAFB artistic director, board, musicians, and outside voices will review the materials.
2. A shortlist of finalists will be compiled mid April, at which time additional materials may be requested of shortlisted composers.
3. Shortly after May 1, 2018, the committee will select one composer with which to collaborate on a new piece for band.
4. The new work and parts must be completed by January 1, 2019.
5. MAFB will provide the composer with at least a $500.00 stipend upon completion.
6. MAFB will rehearse and perform the work in Spring 2019. The composer is encouraged to attend rehearsals and the performance, but is not required.

PIECE REQUIREMENTS

1. Piece must be scored for a concert band with the following instrumentation. Parts will have multiple players in most cases. Brief solos by any required instrument are permitted.
2-3 Flutes (optional Piccolo)
1-2 Oboes (optional English horn)
3 B-flat Clarinets
(1 optional Alto Clarinet)
1 Bass Clarinet
1(-2) Bassoons
(1 optional Soprano Saxophone)
2 Alto Saxophones
1-2 Tenor Saxophones
1 Baritone Saxophone
3 B-flat Trumpets
2-4 F Horns
2-3 Trombones
1 Euphonium
1-2 Tubas
1 Timpani (4 drum maximum)
1 Mallet Percussion (Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Chimes)
2-4 Percussion (no pitched percussion)
(Optional electronics)
2. Piece should be graded approximately as a high “3” or low “4” on Alfred Music’s scale (http://www.alfred.com/belwinconcertbandseries).
3. Any deviation from the above items must be approved by the Artistic Director.
4. Piece will be played on the same concert as these tentatively programmed works: Frank Ticheli: Blue Shades; Catherine McMichael: Sapphire; Anne McGinty: Greensleeves Fantasia; Music by Prince. It should complement and offer variety to the above selections. Other composers programmed across the season include Kimberly Archer, Stephanie Berg, Margaret Brouwer, Henry Fillmore, Quincy Hilliard, Eric Knetchges, Yukiko Nishimura, Sergey Prokofiev, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Ayatey Shabazz, Arthur Sullivan, and more.