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click
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Commissioning a piece of music can
be one of the most rewarding things you do with your ensemble. It allows
your ensemble members an opportunity to work with a composer, be a part
of the compositional process, and be the first to premiere a brand new
work!
Many are intimidated by the thought of commissioning a new piece
of music, but the process is easier and much more rewarding than you may
think - nothing equals the joy and satisfaction of giving your ensemble
members the opportunity to be a part of the creation of a new piece of
music.
I prefer to broaden the scope of the commissioning process by spending
time working with the commissioning group, often in a
composer-in-residence or clinic format. My experience as a Conductor and
a Choral Director allows me to offer insight and a different perspective
when working with students or ensemble members. The entire process
becomes a learning experience for all involved: selecting text, learning
about composition and improvisation, working through thematic and
motivic development, making instrumentation and textural choices, etc,
etc. Commissioning groups and their member get much more out of the
commissioning if they are an active participant in the process!
Please
email me with any questions or ideas you may have about commissioning a
new work.
Common misconceptions regarding Commissioning a
piece of Music:
It's so expensive - we could never afford it.
Not true. Commissions can range in price from hundreds to thousands of
dollars depending on the type of piece, length of the commission
process, etc. Even groups with very limited budgets often find
underwriters from their area to help defray the costs of a Commission.
Only large, professional groups can commissions
works.
Not true. Many school and church ensembles have successfully
commissioned works.
We would have no input in the commissioning
process.
Not true. I prefer to involve the commissioning group and group members
in the process.
Possible occasions
for Commissioning a Work:
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a performance at a State or National Conference
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a special performance in your church (Easter, Christmas, etc.)
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the dedication of a new auditorium , church or performance facility
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as part of a Composer-in-Residence Program
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an anniversary of a group's founding
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as a memorial for a group or community member
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for the sheer joy of being a part of the creation of a new work of
music!
(the list goes on and on...) |
Comments from recent Commissions:
| I just hired Jeffrey Cobb to
be a composer in residence at Traverse City West Junior High
(Traverse City, Michigan) this spring and have been EXTREMELY
pleased with the results. I would highly recommend him to anyone
looking for new, fresh literature to add to a program. He has a
great feel for the pulse of young singers, and brings an energy to
both his clinic work and his composing that is inspiring. My kids
loved working with him, and are so excited for him to come back. |
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Phil Johnson - Director,
TCWJH Choirs |
| Great work! Having Jeff
workshop with my choir before writing the piece allowed my students
to have ownership in the final product. That ownership showed up in
each rehearsal and for the performance. His composition met us where
we were musically. This project was one of the highlights of our
year. |
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David Boswell - Director,
Hillsdale High School |
| It was fun! It really gave me
a new perspective on music and possibly a new job to think about.
Really awesome experience! |
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Evan H. - student, Hillsdale
High School |
| "Invictus" was off the hook! |
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Kirk P. - student, Hillsdale
High School |
| The whole experience was
wonderful. Mr. Cobb was a great guy to work with and really cared
about our opinion. After he wrote the piece for us, he asked for our
feedback, and we worked together to revise it. I truly enjoyed
writing with Mr. Cobb and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity! |
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Chelsea S. - student,
Hillsdale High School |
| Mr. Cobb was an inspiration
to our choir. The song fit us perfectly and Mr. Cobb was wonderful
to work with. Thank you so much! |
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Arielle C. - student,
Hillsdale High School |
| Working with a poem we picked
out ourselves and premiering our piece was truly and awesome
experience! |
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Andrew B. - student,
Hillsdale High School |
| It was an amazing experience!
I learned an incredible amount about composition and the song felt
very personal I played a part in how it was written. |
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Isaac J. - student, Hillsdale
High School |
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