Introduction

The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (the Band) is the first openly gay musical organization in the world and the Official Band of the City & County of San Francisco.  The Band’s mission is to:

  1. Provide for the education and musical development of its Members;
  2. Promote visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities; and
  3. With its allies, foster understanding among diverse communities through public musical performances.  

The Band seeks to commission a new piece of music for concert band from a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) composer as part of an ongoing program to build diversity in every aspect of our organization.

Additionally, the Band commissions this as a gift to the 30+ member bands of Pride Bands Alliance (formerly called the Lesbian and Gay Band Association – LGBA).  

The Commission

The composers selected from this Request for Qualifications screening will be invited to develop a detailed proposal including theme, structure and scope of the piece while staying true to the mission of the Band; especially fostering understanding of diverse communities through public performance.

Composition requirements:

  • Written for a Concert Band.  Instrumentation can be found in Appendix A.
  • Length of 6-9 minutes.
  • Grade level 3.5 to 4.5 (suitable for High School and Community Bands).

Other requirements:

  • Delivery includes PDF of score and all parts & MIDI recording approximating the piece.
  • Share a brief statement detailing their inspiration for the piece and the message they intend to deliver to its audience.
  • Provide up to 3 hours of consulting with the Band prior to first performance.
  • Attend the Premiere (costs covered by the Band).
  • Performance rights and licenses for the piece will be available to both the Band and other member bands in Pride Bands Alliance.
  • Performance rights reserved to the Band and members of the Pride Band Alliance for one year following the premiere.

Request for Qualifications

Please submit the following items to commission@sfprideband.org by November 1 2021.

  • Resume
  • Audio samples and scores of pieces representative of your work with composition dates (can be links to specific web addresses or submit audio/video files)
  • Please briefly answer these questions
    • Why are you interested in applying for this commission?
    • What about the Band’s Mission is meaningful to you?
    • How can you see your music supporting the mission of the Band and the goals of this commission?  
  • Two references

Criteria for Success

Criteria:

  • You are a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) composer
  • Successful experience composing for larger instrumental ensembles

Budget

We are offering $7500 for this commission plus covering expenses (travel, hotel, meals if coming from out of town) to attend the premiere in San Francisco, California.

Timeline

  • Request for Qualifications due November 1 2021
  • Request for Proposal sent to selected composers December 1 2021
  • Proposals due February 15 2022
  • Composer selected March 31 2022
  • Finalize contract April 30 2022
  • Composition delivery January 1 2023
  • Premiere at “Spotlight” concert May 2023

Appendix A

  1. Instrumentation
Flute / Piccolo Oboe Clarinet Alto Saxophone Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone Bass Clarinet Bassoon French Horn Trumpet / Cornet
Trombone Euphonium / Baritone Horn Tuba Timpani Batterie Percussion
Melodic Percussion