CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2021 FOR NEW JAZZ BAND WORK

The Show-Me Pride Ensembles d/b/a Mid America Freedom Band is accepting proposals for a new work for its jazz band, the Mighty Mo Combo, from composers regardless of age, nationality, or style. The proposed 3–5 minute long original piece will be performed by the Mighty Mo Combo during the ensemble’s 2020–21 season.

MAFB is Kansas City’s community ensemble of LGBTQ+ and allied musicians with approximately 80 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. 

The Mighty Mo Combo is the award-winning full jazz band subset of the organization, and was named “Best of Venue” at the Kansas City Fringe Festival in 2017 with its tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Championing works by composers traditionally underrepresented on the stage is central to the organization’s mission.

Please note, this year’s call is different than in years past as it is for jazz band and not concert band. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Composer can be of any age, nationality, or point in their career working in any jazz style.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

1. Cover letter with name, address, email, phone number, website (if possible) and brief biography (approximately 250 words) in .pdf format.

2. Written proposal for new work addressing how it will fit with the organization’s mission as stated above while contributing new ideas for amateur jazz ensembles in .pdf format. A brief sketch of musical materials may be included but is not required. PLEASE DO NOT SEND COMPLETED WORKS.

3. Two sample .pdfs of recent works. One work must be a jazz composition. Preference is for full jazz band works. Sound samples or realizations of the works submitted are also encouraged but not required.

4. Please use .pdf for submitted cover letter, proposal, and score samples and .mp3 for sound files. Permanent, direct links (e.g. personal website, dropbox, google drive, issuu, soundcloud) to score samples and audio are acceptable and encouraged. If providing a link, ensure that sharing settings are viewable to anyone with the link.

5. Submit all materials electronically to composition@freedomband.com by May 30, 2020, 11:59 p.m. CST. Composers will receive a confirmation email of receipt within 48 hours of submission.

6. Submissions that are incomplete by the due date will be disqualified.

7. There is no fee to submit materials.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After June 1, 2020, a five-person panel of the Mighty Mo Combo music director, MAFB artistic director, and representative voices from the woodwind, brass, and rhythm sections, will review the materials.

2. A shortlist of finalists will be compiled mid-June, at which time additional materials may be requested of shortlisted composers.

3. Shortly after June 15, 2020, the committee will select and contract one composer with which to collaborate on a new piece for jazz band.

4. The new work and parts must be completed by January 1, 2021.

5. MAFB will provide the composer with a $500.00 stipend upon completion.

6. MAFB will rehearse and perform the work in Spring 2021. The composer is encouraged to attend rehearsals and the performance, but is not required.

PIECE REQUIREMENTS

1. Piece must be fully scored for jazz band with the following instrumentation. Head with lead sheet (Real/Fake book style) is not acceptable. A fully notated drum set part is not required with stylistic directions with rhythmic outline being prefered. Open solos with chord changes by any required instrument are permitted, but especially encouraged for tenor saxophone and trombone.

5 saxophones (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 bari)
4 trumpets
4 trombones (3 tenor, 1 bass)
Rhythm (piano, guitar, bass (electric or upright), drum set, optional aux percussion (Latin instruments or vibes)) 

2. Piece should be graded approximately as a high “3” or low “4” on Music44’s composite scaling of jazz ensemble. (http://www.music44.com/X/product/LEVEL_GUIDE).

3. Recent selections by the Mighty Mo Combo include Benny Carter’s Kansas City Suite, Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Mangione, and standard “dance band” charts. This new piece should push the ensemble in new directions while still remaining playable by amateur musicians.

Send any questions to composition@freedomband.com

PAST WINNERS (all for concert band)

2020 - Stephen Ryan Jackson asphyxiating sky
2019 - Olivia Kieffer The Four Swords
2018 - Louisa Trewartha Silver Lake
2017 - Justin Raines CME
2016 - Nicole Murphy six
2015 - Derek Jenkins Kolo