PJCE is seeking proposals from jazz composers to contribute one original composition for PJCE’s PDX Jazz Festival concert event in celebration of Black History Month. This concert, titled Rise In Love, aims to honor the rich cultural heritage, artistic contributions, and historical narratives of Black communities, in America and beyond. In total, five individual composers will be commissioned to compose one composition each.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 23rd, 2024

Scope of Work:

PJCE invites proposals for a composition that:

Explore themes related to Black history, culture, icons, and/or experiences.

Is a new, original jazz piece specifically for this concert.

Is open to collaboration with PJCE musicians and artistic direction. Composers will be asked to format scores and parts according to PJCE’s guidelines, found here.

Is composed for our flagship 12-member ensemble. The instrumentation of the ensemble is:

  • Four woodwinds
    • Soprano sax/flute/clarinet
    • Alto sax/flute/clarinet
    • Tenor sax
    • Baritone sax/bass clarinet
  • Four brass
    • Two trumpets/flugelhorns
    • Two trombones
  • Four rhythm section
    • Acoustic/electric guitar
    • Piano
    • Acoustic/electric bass
    • Drum set

Proposal Requirements:

Interested composers are requested to submit the following:

1. Proposal Overview: A brief description (up to 500 words) outlining the concept and thematic elements of the proposed composition.

2. Work Sample: At least one recording and one score sample (PDF format) of previous jazz compositions. The two samples do not need to be the same piece. Please send the materials via cloud link (e.g.: Google Drive, DropBox, etc.). Do not send files as attachments.

3. Composer’s Background: A brief biography highlighting relevant experience and artistic achievements (up to 300 words).

4. Timeline: Availability and estimated timeline for composition completion, if selected. Deadlines are as follows:

  • First draft due by January 31, 2025
  • Finished score and parts due by February 12, 2025

5. Composer must live in Oregon, or in Southwest Washington, within 60 miles of Portland

Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Artistic merit and creativity of the proposed composition.
  • Relevance to the theme of Black History Month.
  • PJCE is committed to working with artists at varying career stages, but we want to ensure the artist can demonstrate familiarity with the process of composing on this scale and capacity to execute the project.
  • Feasibility and adaptability for performance by PJCE musicians.

Proposal Submission:

Please submit proposals electronically with this Google Form. If this submission process is a barrier for you, please contact PJCE’s Artistic Director, Ryan Meagher (ryan@pjce.org). Submissions must be received by no later than 10:00 a.m., September 23rd, 2024.

Selection Process:

PJCE will review all proposals and select compositions based on the criteria above. The selection panel will be members of the PJCE’s Programming Committee, and select members who are stakeholders in Portland’s Black community. Selected composers will be notified by e-mail October 7th, 2024.

Compensation:

Selected composers will receive an honorarium of $900 for the commissioned composition. Composers will retain ownership of their intellectual property. Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble will retain rights to premiere the composition, and perform it in perpetuity.