I always look forward to this annual concert which features the finest works created during the year's BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop. I was a workshop participant in 2004 and again in 2007 when I was selected as a finalist for the Charlie Parker Composition Prize. It was an incredibly valuable opportunity to meet regularly with Jim McNeely, Michael Abene and Mike Holober --- three of the world's most respected composers for jazz orchestra --- to discuss my music, as it was being written. It really helped in shaping how I approach orchestration, the development of musical ideas and formal planning. Several of the pieces on my recently released CD, "Re:Visions, Works for Jazz Orchestra", were developed within the Composer's Workshop. These include "Bad Dream" and "Jana's Song" for which I have posted audio samples on the right hand column of this blog.
I especially look forward to hearing this year's Manny Albam Commission, written by Sara Jacovino. I'll be sitting there with my notepad, collecting (stealing?) ideas. :)
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