Details

To view the following information in a pdf format, please click here.

The Basics

All young composers who participate in the project will write a short composition (3 minutes or less) for two instruments throughout the month of April. In addition, participants will be paired with one of our Composer-Mentors, who will give them constructive and helpful feedback as they write their short pieces. Then, in May, the completed pieces will be recorded at Interlochen Center for the Arts by student musicians from Interlochen Arts Academy.

Eligibility

We are looking for participants who:

• Are 16 years old or younger at the time of application

• Have some experience writing music in the past and can notate their compositions on staff paper/sheet music

• Have had very few (if any) opportunities for their music to be performed

We are hoping to include around 10-15 young composers in Spring 2021 Cycle.

Writing the Music

Once applicants are accepted into The NowBeat Project - Spring 2021 Cycle, they will given a choice to write for one of the following ensembles:

• Flute and clarinet

• Trumpet and trombone

• Cello duet

They will then spend the month of April working to write a short piece for the ensemble they select.

NOTE: If too many participants select to write for a particular ensemble, some may be assigned to their second choice of ensemble so that the number of pieces written for each ensemble is relatively even.

Connecting with Composer-Mentors

Once applicants are accepted into The NowBeat Project - Spring 2021 Cycle, they will be paired with one of our talented and motivated Composer-Mentors, all of whom are juniors or seniors studying composition at Interlochen Arts Academy. Each participant will meet with their respective Composer-Mentor several times throughout the month of April to receive informal, constructive feedback about their composition.

Click here to learn more about our amazing Composer-Mentors!

Recording the Music

In the beginning of May, participants will turn in their completed pieces (including scores & parts). The individual parts will then be distributed to the appropriate Performers, all of whom are wonderful young musicians who are currently students at Interlochen Arts Academy. Then, on May 8, each piece will be read and recorded at Interlochen Center for the Arts. After we make sure each recording is up to our standards, we will be able send each composer their respective recording, which they can then use and publicize as they wish!

Click here to learn more about our amazing Performers!

NOTE: After each composer receives their respective recording, we are hoping to present a virtual recital on YouTube for any of the composers who wish to share their completed piece.

The Application

Our application is a Google Form. In it, we ask for basic personal information, a little about each respective applicant’s musical journey, and one score that the applicant worked on in the past. The scores do NOT have to be complete; we are just making sure that each applicant has the ability to notate music on a score/sheet music. This is NOT a competition, and scores will not be judged on their musical merit. The application form opened on March 23, and it closed on Friday, April 9 at 11:59 pm EST . Each applicant will be updated via email regarding their acceptance status on or before Wednesday, April 14.

For any questions regarding the application or anything regarding The NowBeat Project, please reach out to thenowbeatproject@gmail.com.