Choral Composer Mentorship Program | Call for Applications

The inaugural Choral Composer Mentorship Program (a pilot program) is a new initiative by Babεl in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre (Ontario region). This program will provide resources for emerging choral composers to develop a new or existing choral work alongside a choral composer mentor, a conductor, and a choral ensemble over the span of three months.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to connect and learn from seasoned published choral composers, create/revise/edit/polish a work, and receive a performance. Additionally, participants will learn invaluable skills, such as communicating with a choral ensemble, in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The pieces developed and performed during the program shall be written for SATB chamber choir, a capella, or with piano accompaniment, with a duration of 3 to 5 minutes.

Mentors Include

  • Elaine Choi, conductor
  • Matthew Emery, composer
  • Stephanie Martin, composer

Eligibility

The program is open to any self-identifying emerging choral composer.

Selection Process

Up to 6 applicants will be chosen by the mentors to be full composer participants of the program. Applicants not chosen for the program are invited to audit and attend program activities (panel discussion and concerts) at a discounted price.

Selected composers are expected to attend the program activities in person, in Toronto. While there is no geographic restriction on eligibility, we are not in a position to subsidize travel and accommodations. We can provide letters of support in pursuit of travel funds.

Project Timeline, Participant Expectations

  • February 24, 2020, 5:00pm EST: Deadline for submissions
    • The online form will close at this point.
  • March 6, 2020: Results announced
  • March 15, 2020: Participants introduced to mentors (composers, conductor) and private sessions are scheduled (between March 15 and April 20)
  • March 21, 2020: Group program activities
    • Panel Discussion (CMC): 3:00-5:00 pm
    • Babεl Concert (Church of the Redeemer): 7:30 pm
  • April 20, 2020: Completed work submitted to the choir
  • May, 2020: Rehearsals with Babεl
  • Mid June, 2020: Performance of pieces developed in the program

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following using the online form at the bottom of this page.

  • Sample material
    • Applicants may submit an existing work for further development or propose to compose a new piece.
    • If an existing work for further development is being submitted, the work should be underperformed or unperformed. Sketches of a work in progress are allowed. Please submit a PDF of the score/sketch. The work for development in the program should be for SATB choir (no divisi), a capella or with piano accompaniment, and 3 to 5 minutes in duration.
    • If you are proposing to create a new piece, please submit a PDF of one completed score. There will be stronger consideration given to sample works featuring vocal parts (solo/chamber/choral). Applicants may choose to submit a second piece to support jury deliberations, and to demonstrate aspects of their compositional practice and current artistic goals.
    • Optional: in either scenario you may submit a link to streaming audio/video that corresponds to sample score(s).
  • A resume/CV: If possible, include a list of compositions
  • Written Statement: include a short statement providing context for your submitted materials, discuss areas of choral writing you hope to address in the program, and share your interest in the proposed mentorship/rehearsal format.
    • We would like to make space for artists who haven’t received this style of mentorship in the past. Please disclose whether you have taken part, or will be taking part in similar programs; for instance, the 2020 PIVOT program (CLC), or Soundstreams’ Bridges workshop.

Fee: There is no application fee. Participation Fee (if accepted) is $100 which encompasses:

  • Admission (for one) to all events
  • 20 minute session with composer mentor (Skype/in person)
  • 20 minute session with conductor (Skype/in person)
  • 20 minute session with the Babεl
  • 20 minute reflection session, post-rehearsal (with designated chorister/ conductor)
  • Performance by Babεl – June, 2020
  • An audio recording of the piece

Questions: Contact Dr. Elaine Choi and Matthew Fava with any questions you have!