Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute at Columbia University accepting applications

Here's the press release:

American Composers Orchestra & Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University present

Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute

Application Deadline: Monday, April 16, 2012 at 5:00 pm (EST)

Phase 1: Intensive August 7 – 11, 2012 UCLA Herb Alpert School of MMusic

Phase 2: Readings, April – June, 2013

The Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI) will bring together up to 35 jazz composers, working in jazz, improvised, and creative music, whose work demonstrates excellent musicianship, originality, and potential for future growth in orchestral composition, to explore composition for symphony orchestra. Previous hands-on orchestral experience is not expected, but applicants should address how increasing their skills, knowledge and experience with orchestral instruments will affect the direction of their future work.
 

JCOI is organized into two phases. Applicants must complete Phase 1 to be eligible for Phase 2: 

Phase 1 - Intensive. August 7 - 11, 2012 at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in Los Angeles, California. A series of workshops and seminars will include the study of scores and compositional techniques, contemporary performance practice, orchestration, notation and score preparation, and practical work with the symphony orchestra. Tuition is $500 per participant.

Phase 2 - New Music Readings. April - June 2013 with orchestras in California and New York. Composers selected will write a new work for symphony orchestra. The new piece will be workshopped, rehearsed and performed by one of the four host orchestras.  Each composer participating in the Readings will receive coaching from a mentor composer, and an honorarium to assist with the copying and preparation of score and parts, as well as domestic travel and lodging to attend the Reading.

Applicants must be either a U.S. or Canadian citizen or non-citizen, residing or studying full-time in the United States. There are no age restrictions. Composers who have participated in prior ACO New Music Readings or previous JCOI are ineligible to apply for the 2012 JCOI Phase 1 Intensive. (Previous JCOI participants are, however, eligible to apply for the Phase 2 JCOI Readings.) 

Application must include: an original bound score composed within the last four years (any instrumentation, aesthetic, or style); a CD audio recording containing two examples of the composer's original work; a  current resume or curriculum vitae; a letter of recommendation from an established composer, performer, improviser, or other music professional, attesting to the applicant's accomplishments and potential as an orchestral composer; and a personal statement addressing the applicant's goals as a composer and how participation in the Institute might impact future creative directions.

Full eligibility guidelines and application form and information are available at: www.americancomposers.org/jcoi/

The completed application packet and letters of recommendation should be mailed to: 

American Composers Orchestra

Attn: Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute 2012

240 West 35th Street, Suite 405

New York, NY  10001-2506

Applications must be received no later than Monday, April 16, 2012 at 5:00 pm (EST).

Applicants will be notified by May 11, 2012. Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.

Questions may be addressed to jcoi@americancomposers.org or 212.977.8495.

Information, eligibility guidelines and submission form are available online at: www.americancomposers.org/jcoi/