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EarShot New Music Readings (May 22, 2019)
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Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra
EarShot New Music Readings
August 12-14, 2019 Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra
(Aguascalientes, Mexico)
Application Receipt Deadline: May 22, 2019 11:59pm EST
Composer Notification: July 1, 2019
Program
American Composers Orchestra seeks to identify and celebrate emerging American composers through its EarShot program.
Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. Orchestras have relied on EarShot to identify and connect with composers consistent with their artistic vision, and to advise the orchestra on commissions, competitions, and program design. Managed by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), EarShot is a partnership between the ACO, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years EarShot has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country offering opportunities to more than 100 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions now in the orchestral repertoire.
In keeping with ACO’s commitment to customizing the EarShot residencies to the participating orchestra’s programming requests, Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra will select 3 Mexican composers and 3 American composers for their residency.
This year, the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra participant composers will work closely with mentor composers Gabriela Ortiz, Derek Bermel, and an established American composer (TBD), as well as conductor Jose Arean.
There is no application fee. Travel and accommodations are provided, and composers will receive a recording of their work for archival and study purposes.
Eligibility
This program is for composers who have had fewer than 2 pieces performed by a professional orchestra. (College and festival orchestra performances do not apply.) American applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. Mexican applicants must be a Mexican citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in Mexico. We seek composers of all backgrounds, especially those whose gender identity, race, ethnicity, physical ability, neurodiversity, socio-economic status, and/or background has been historically or currently underrepresented in professional orchestral programming. There are no age restrictions; applicants should be composers at the early stages of their professional orchestral careers. Composers selected to participate in prior ACO EarShot, Underwood, or Whittaker New Music Reading Sessions are ineligible. Previous JCOI participants are eligible to apply. Past applicants not previously selected are welcome to re-apply with a new score and a complete application, including all required background information.
Application Instructions
Each composer may submit only one composition for consideration. Works that have been previously submitted to ACO for consideration may not be resubmitted, unless requested by ACO. Works may not have been performed or read by a professional orchestra. If the work has been read by a professional orchestra, the work is eligible for submission if it has undergone major revisions. Compositions may not include voice, electronics, MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement. Concerto works are not eligible. Do not submit recordings. The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work. The additional background and educational information is for eligibility and documentation purposes; these materials are not considered in the general review of scores. Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
Composers selected are responsible for delivering professional-quality score and parts. Travel and accommodations will be provided.
Applicants must submit an electronic submission form, the orchestral score and resume. There is no application fee.
How to Apply
Before submitting an application, carefully review the eligibility & submission guidelines above. A complete submission must include the following:
A completed online submission form. A pdf of the score clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the work on the cover page. A current resume including educational background, major teachers, awards, and professional affiliations. There is no application fee. The application process must be completed by 11:59 pm EST on May 22, 2019. Late submissions will not be considered.
If Selected
Composers will be notified via email by July 1, 2019. Composers must be available and ready to attend reading sessions, feedback meetings and professional development workshops on the dates listed for the reading applied for. Necessary accommodations for physical disability and/or neurodiversity will be provided upon request. Composers must provide professional, legible orchestral parts and scores prepared according to guidelines established by the Major Orchestral Librarians Association. Materials for the first reading session must be delivered no later than 45 days before the reading session for which they have been selected. Composers agree to: submit photos and sound clips for web use and a short biography for media purposes; to participate in blogging and social media to be videotaped/recorded for archival and promotional purposes; and to have their music recorded for archival and study purposes.
Questions & Information
For application form and additional information visit:
For questions, contact Aiden Feltkamp, Emerging Composers and Diversity Director: 212.977.8495 ext 252 or aiden [at] americancomposers [dot] org.