Overview

A formal Composer in Residence (CIR) relationship provides a framework for ____________________ (“the Ensemble”) to efficiently explore new music in partnership with the CIR and other composers in the music community with minimal financial impact on the CIR or the Ensemble.  This role is designed to fit within existing CIR and Ensemble activities, shaping those activities to mutual benefit.

  • The Ensemble receives the benefit of exposure to new—in some cases yet unpublished music.
  • The CIR (and other composers) receive the benefit of having works read in rehearsal, with feedback from the Music Director and players, and possibly even having their work performed in concert.

CIR Term

CIR will be a one-year position, designated by the board. This is an unpaid role. [The position is not a commission for a new work.]

CIR Responsibilities to the Ensemble

  1. Work with the Music Director to bring new music (not necessarily composed by the CIR) to agreed-upon rehearsals for recorded read-through and comments/questions by Ensemble members in the regular “sight reading” part of rehearsal.
  2. For any piece which will be rehearsed or performed, CIR will provide Ensemble members with paper and digital copies (PDFs) of music manuscripts.
  3. Any music printing/copying costs for selected scores/parts will be the responsibility of the CIR.
  4. The CIR will work with the Ensemble to archive printed copies of submitted scores in the Ensemble’s music library as appropriate. The composer retains full rights under copyright.
  5. The CIR may act as representative for the Ensemble for the purpose of making calls for scores and for increasing awareness of the Ensemble’s interest in new music.

Ensemble Responsibilities to the CIR

  1. The Ensemble’s Music Director will be available to discuss appropriate styles/genres and selected new works with CIR.
  2. With the permission of the composer, the Music Director may choose selected works for performance at their discretion.
  3. The Ensemble will provide the CIR, and designated composers, with the opportunity to have selected compositions read-through by the Ensemble in rehearsal, and the read-through recorded, at no cost to the composer beyond the expense of providing the printed score and parts. Conducting of the read-through will be done by the Music Director unless otherwise agreed in advance.
  4. Provide the CIR, and designated composers, with the opportunity to have their compositions performed publicly by the Ensemble at no cost to the composer beyond the expense of providing the printed score and parts. The choice of works for performance is entirely at the discretion of the Music Director.
  5. If the CIR or designated composer’s score is published after a performance, the Ensemble agrees to purchase the score for future performances.

Mutually Agreed by the Ensemble and CIR

  1. [There is no requirement for the CIR to provide a new work specifically for performance by the Ensemble. A request for a specific work will be considered a commission and is outside the scope of the current CIR role as defined here.]
  2. The CIR is invited to Ensemble board meetings, as a guest, whenever possible, to report on current and planned activities within the role. The CIR is not an Ensemble board position.
  3. Provide public-facing information about the CIR and the CIR program on the Ensemble webpage and Facebook page.
  4. The CIR will be included in on-line and printed listings of Ensemble membership
  5. The CIR can, with prior permission from the Ensemble’s Music Director, record rehearsals of new music for other composers to hear.