REVERSE THE COMMISSION 2024
Grant for the performance of a Sounds New composer's work or presenting a Sounds New music installation (this is not a commission to write a new composition).
The Sounds New Chapter of the National Association of Composers announces the 2024 Reverse the Commission Grant. The primary purpose of this grant is to follow NACUSA’s mission to advance the cause of concert hall music.
First Round of Applications Reviewed August 15
if no award(s) August 15 - deferred to September 15
if no award(s) September 15 - deferred to October 15
If no award(s) October 15 - no award 2024
Application portal is open until filled or to October 15
2 possibilities: Present the music of a Sounds New Composer or Present a Sounds New Installation
Metrics
Written Proposal = 75 points
Introductions and Intent
How it would align with the NACUSA mission to "advance the cause of American concert hall music"
How the presentation would benefit yourself/performance group and your audiences
Additional Scoring Opportunities (for presenting a composition of a Sounds New Composer)
Premiere Performance = 4 points; 2nd or 3rd performance = 2 points
Featured 2024 Composer = 7 points (Hannah Heaton Adhikari, Mike McFerron, Stephen Montalvo, or David Peoples)
Featured 2024 Score = 7 points
Presenter is a member of NACUSA = 3 points
Concert proposal is a NACUSA concert = 4 points
Other Criteria
Composers presenting their own music will not qualify (however presenters of the installation may have their own work in the installation).
Presenter does not have to be a member of NACUSA or the Sounds New Chapter.
Selected proposals must be presented before March 31, 2025 with a digital copy of the program and photo we can use from the event by April 10, 2025. There will be no extensions for canceled or postponed events.
2024 Featured Scores:
As a Watcher on the World for ob, vn, va, vc, pn - 8 min | 2nd or 3rd performance
Innovations 1 for cl and elec (fx ped) - 7 min | 2nd or 3rd performance
Nighttide from the Shore for vn, va, vc, perc (2) - 10 min | 2nd or 3rd performance
Smash Mouth Offense for pn - 7 min | premiere
IsoLoops for pn (8 hands, 2 pianos) | premiere
Jellybean in My Pocket for jazz combo | premiere
FAQs
How many submissions can I make?
Performers can submit only one proposal. However, performers within a group may be part of a different group or submit as a soloist - as long as the group is different than the original submission.
How many awards will be granted?
We hope at least one will be awarded, but we reserve the right to award none or more than one.
As a performer/performance group - can we submit a proposal for a score by a composer not listed?
No. The composer must be a member of NACUSA and Sounds New for the proposal to be considered (roster is available on our main page). We will open this up next year too, composers can join up for 2025 and performers can encourage their composer friends to join if wanting to participate in 2025.
I am a composer and I am a performer - can I submit to perform my own work?
No.
The call is still open after the first judging round - can I amend my proposal and will you let us know how we scored?
We will not reveal scoring results. It is unlikely that your score would change after a judging round, participants will be allowed to modify their proposals if not selected after a judging round. However if the call closes, the call is closed for 2024 and we will not accept revisions.
What if I schedule the performance at the end of March 2025 and the concert is canceled or postponed until after March 2025?
If selected, you will not receive the grant. Performers are encouraged to perform the work as soon as they can to avoid the possibility of a cancellation or postponement.