This morning I sent an email to music educators about commissioning new music. You can read the letter below. Please sign up if you are a music educator would like to receive these emails.
Today I’m reaching out to you and other music educators about writing new music for your music program. In 2011, I had the opportunity to write an original jazz band piece for Richard E. Strayer Middle School in Quakertown, PA, and the experience has been amazing. Not only are the teachers, adminstrators, and student musicians excited to premiere the new work, but the entire community is aware of the commission from their weekly school letter (The QCommuniqué) and video broadcast (QCSD-TV).
Here are two links where you can learn about the process and see a current one in action.
Start a music commission for your program
Learn how today’s music technology takes a music commission into the 21st-century and makes the experience even more special.
Finding You for Jazz Band
“Finding You for Jazz Band” was commissioned in 2011 by the Richard E. Strayer Middle School Jazz Band, Quakertown, PA, directed by Joseph Santanello.
As the composer, I will do three things to ensure a successful and rewarding commission:
- Write a piece based on your specifications and strengths of your group.
- Use the latest technology (Internet, Skype, Twitter, SoundCloud, music production software, etc.) to interact and promote the commission.
- Keep all parties involved from the beginning through the premiere.
By working together, we can create a piece that devlopes your student musicians, promotes your music program, and unites the community. If you are interested in commissioning music for the 2012-13 school year, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
Jon
