Texas Composer Collaborative
2021-2022 Season
View the final concert here
610 Composer Showcase
This Showcase is the capstone event to the Texas Composer Collaborative that features four selected composers: GIllian Rae Perry, Stephen Ryan Jackson, Steven Sérpa, and Hee Yun Kim.
Get to know not only their music but the composers themselves, as they introduce themselves and their works.
Click here to see the virtual program as the companion for the concert.
Texas Composer Collaborative
Program Information
The Texas Composer Collaborative is an open call for scores that aims to develop relationships between Loop38 and emerging Texas-based or Texas-affiliated composers. We invite composers to submit previously or newly composed scores for woodwind ensemble, string ensemble, brass ensemble, or mixed ensemble.
We will provide feedback for every submission that we receive, and select up to three works for each of the four ensembles. Loop38 will work with each selected composer in advance to prepare for a collaborative 90-minute rehearsal and audio-recording session. Composers can be present or attend virtually depending on ability to travel and the current state of the pandemic.
Following the audio recordings, we will select up to four prizewinning works to record videos for and feature in a digital concert later in Loop38’s 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Selected composers
Key Points
Our goal is to serve the needs of emerging composers by creating high-quality audio and video recordings, which they can use freely for non-commercial, promotional uses.
We define Texas-based or Texas-affiliated composers loosely as those who have a strong connection to Texas or who live in or have lived in Texas within the last three years.
We define emerging composers as those who:
Are not an active student (doctoral students who are no longer enrolled in coursework are encouraged to apply)
Do not have a tenured position at a college or university
Are not represented by a major publishing house
The application fee for each score submission is suggested as $20, payable online. The fees help to offset the project’s expenses, including reviewing and providing feedback for each application. We strive to make this project accessible for everyone regardless of their financial means, so the fee may be waived or reduced.
There is no limit on the number of scores one composers may submit.
To ensure that we have time to work collaboratively and record each score, we strongly recommend that works are limited to ten minutes in length.
By choosing to submit scores and participate in the collaborative, composers grant us permission to perform and record their work.
While we are strongly committed to this framework, we reserve the right to change or modify the Texas Composer Collaborative to adjust to the unique demands of the pandemic or for any other reason.
Timeline
October 31, 2021 Applications due
January 2022 Selections Announced
February-April 2022 Collaborative rehearsals and audio recordings (up to 12 works)
May/June 2022 Digital concert (video) featuring prize winning selections (up to 4 works)
Photo by Natalie Gaynor
Ensemble Configurations
Woodwind Ensemble
Works for 2-5 players; limited to one flute, one oboe, one clarinet, one bassoon, and one horn
We ask that there is no doubling except for piccolo (no English horn, alto or bass flute, contrabassoon, or bass clarinet)
Brass Ensemble
Works for 2-3 players; limited to one horn, one trumpet, and one trombone
String Ensemble
Works for 2-4 players; limited to two violins, one viola, and one cello
Mixed Ensemble
Works for 2-6 performers; limited to one flute, one oboe, one clarinet, one bassoon, one horn, one, trumpet, one trombone, one harp, one percussion*, two violins, one viola, and one cello
Must include harp and/or percussion
A note on percussion instrumentation: We welcome scores that include a wide variety of percussion instruments, but please keep in mind reasonable limitations. We have access to most standard instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, crotales, a variety of drums, cymbals, timpani, and auxiliary instruments. But be aware that there are things that we do not have access to (e.g., tuned gongs, almglocken). Reasonable attempts will be made to find instruments or suitable substitutions as appropriate. Please reach out to us (TexasComposerCollaborative@loop38.org) if you have questions related to specific percussion instrument availability at least a week before the deadline.
How to Apply
Access the application here. You will be asked to answer questions about yourself and your music. You will need to submit a PDF score and parts for the work you would like us to consider to record. We also ask that you include a recording of your work, if possible. (Synthesized and MIDI recordings are welcome.) You should prepare your score and parts so that we can use them to accurately review each work and use them for the rehearsal and recording(s).
Our Commitment to Connecting and Celebrating Diverse Voices
Texas is a large, diverse state that never ceases to amaze. We aim to cultivate a network of creative artistic voices that reflect the richness of the region. Even if you are not able to apply for the project at this time for any reason, please reach out so we can all join in conversation.