· Notification of general interest: March 25, 2022
· Submission of score: May 31, 2022
Submission: with title “Iron Giant Collaboration”
Concert Location: Railroad Park and 2 more parks TBD
Instrumentation: Undefined (Read the “What” section below)
Duration: No specific duration, though the program will be for a total of 60 minutes of music.
Who:
BAMA collaboration with Iron Giant Percussion. Iron Giant Percussion is a contemporary music ensemble based in Birmingham, Alabama.
What:
A concert series of pieces of indeterminate style/instrumentation to be performed at different parks in Birmingham. Each composer would write a piece of 2-4 parts for undetermined instruments. The parts can have descriptors on the type of sound such as “metallic”, “melodic”, etc. but it would not be for a specific instrument. Iron Giant would then choose the instrumentation to go along with the piece. The instruments won’t necessarily be your standard instruments (they’ve created xylophones from bottles for example).
· A workshop will also be provided by Iron Giant on writing for percussion/in an indeterminate style as well to assist the composers. Iron Giant will be available for composers to contact as they write their pieces after the workshop.
Before March 25, notify if you’re interested in composing a piece for the concert or attending the workshop. Those interested in composing for the concert are highly encouraged to attend the workshop.
When:
· Concert to be in the August timeframe
· BAMA request for general interest to end March 25
· BAMA call for scores to end May 31
· Workshop in late March (exact date TBD)
Where:
· 3 parks in total. 1 at Railroad Park, the other 2 TBD.
Other Notes:
· Each concert may have the same pieces (depending on the number of submissions), but it could be an entirely new experience based on the instruments used.
· Iron Giant has mentioned they have pieces from BAMA composers but often can’t perform them because of the instrumentation. This style of writing would allow them to continue to perform the pieces regardless of instrumentation at hand which can lead to continual promotion for our composers.
BAMA is an organization that evolves according to the needs and aesthetics of its members. During the past 26 years, many ambitious and successful projects happened when one member opened an initiative to everyone, or just threw out a suggestion that caught fire. With that in mind, you are invited to suggest up to five ideas for concerts, events, guest artists, etc. Each proposal should be something that, if realized, you would participate in and somehow help to facilitate. Otherwise, any ideas are welcome, from the practical to wildly aspirational.
Please send to by August 17. Proposals will be compiled for a subsequent survey, the results of which will inform future programming.
Here are a few examples:
* String orchestra (4/3/2/2/1 or larger) * A series of concerts featuring new works for pipe organ, programmed in several regional churches, ideally in collaboration with the American Guild of Organists. * Trombonist specializing in new music, who, in addition to bringing repertoire, would consider new submissions (notated, improv, and/or electronic), and play solo or with BAMA performing members. * Iron Giant Percussion Quartet + Piano, in collaboration with choreographers and dancers
BAMA is partnering with the UAB concert series “Chamber Music @ AEIVA” to present a concert that connects music with the art exhibit “Marking Time,” which will be on display in the AEIVA galleries.
Concert date: October 28, 2021, 5:30 or 6pm
Submission deadline: September 15, 2021
Concert location: Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts
Instrumentation: Any combination of guitar, piano, clarinet, violin, viola
Duration: No specific duration, though the program will total 30 – 45 minutes of music.
Requirements: Compositions must relate in some way to the art of exhibit “Marking Time”, an exhibit featuring 50+ works of amateur and professional visual artists impacted by the criminal justice system and mass incarceration. Themes include but are not limited to conveying the concept of time passing and highlighting every-day life that is missed.
Concert dates: October 2021 Submission deadline: Proposal by 03/31/2021, performance materials by 8/15/2021 Venue: Railroad Park Instrumentation: Saxophone Quartet, optional additional instruments and/or conductor
Submit a new work that is informed by something that is visible from Birmingham’s Railroad Park. The Cahaba Saxophone Quartet will form the core instrumentation. You may specify additional instruments, providing willingness to secure performers, arrange rehearsals, and supplement performer fees. ASO Assistant Conductor Kevin Fitzgerald is available as needed for, as example, works with spatial displacement or extra performers. Preferred are pieces with all four instruments (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone sax), but subsets may be considered. Preference may also be given to works under 10 minutes.
How to Submit: Proposal: By March 31, send a description of the landmark and how it will be the basis of the composition, instrumentation, and projected duration to using “RR Park proposal” as the subject. Materials: If the proposal is accepted, by August 15, send score, parts, title, duration, brief bio and program notes to using “RR Park concert” as the subject.
Call for Scores: Bent Frequency Duo Concert dates: January or February 2021, TBD Submission deadline: August 31, 2020 Venue: TBD Instrumentation: See below
Acoustic duos are preferred. Solos may be considered, as may works with electronics if easily staged for repeat performances.
soprano saxophone and/or alto saxophone
vibraphone, 2 toms, 1 pair bongos, kick drum, suspended cymbal, perhaps other small items
Duration: Preference may be given to works under 6 minutes
How to Submit: Send a PDF of your score plus any parts to using “Bent Frequency” as the subject. Recordings are welcome but not required.
Please include the following information with your submission.
Call for Scores: 2020 Birmingham New Music Festival Concert dates: Saturday, August 22, 2020 – others TBD Submission deadline: Extended to May 5, 2020 Venues: Hoover Library, others TBD Instrumentation: Variable Duration: No maximum limit, although preference may be given to proposals under 10 minutes
This is the only call for the 2020 festival. Those submitting for Category A are encouraged to also submit a second choice for Category B in case A is not selected. Only one work per member is likely to be programmed.
There is a possibility that some pieces could incorporate dance. Please indicate if interested in having your performance choreographed — in which case a recording is strongly recommended.
Category A
Submit a work (first priority only) for one of the following categories:
Cello, with or without electronics – Craig Hultgren
Clarinet/Eb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Saxophone(s), solo with or without electronics — or in acoustic duo/trio/quartet with Soprano, Flute, and/or Piano – Lori Ardovino, LeBaron Trio, Vinna Trio (Note that a quartet may require supplementary funds from the composer.)
Piano, with or without electronics – Adam Bowles or Chris Steele
Category B
Submit a work for any instrumentation, and be responsible for securing performers and organizing rehearsals. For this option, compensation from BAMA is limited to $220 (up to two performers) per composer. Submissions for larger ensembles will be accepted providing the submitter will compensate additional performers.
How to Submit
Send the following info to with the subject “BNMF2020” by May 1, 2020:
Category B: Composer, title, duration, requirements, and optional recording.
If not submitting your own composition, consider sponsoring an emerging or mid-career composer whose work you admire. Women and minority composers are particularly encouraged. The process is the same as submissions from performer members.