- Project Description
- About Portia Dunkley
- Call for Chamber Ensemble Works
- Call for Orchestra or Orchestra & Chorus Works
About Music of the Unsung America
Founded by musician, social entrepreneur, and Miami native Portia Dunkley, Music of the Unsung America addresses the need for more diverse representation in the Western classical music arts in South Florida. With a matching grant from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s 2019 Knight Arts Challenge and support from the American Composers Forum’s ACF | connect* program, Music of the Unsung America is an annual multi-event concert and conversation series that will feature a culturally-diverse chamber and orchestral ensembles, spotlighting works by Black composers and utilizing historic Black spaces as performance venues. Furthermore, Music of the Unsung America will increase community engagement through educational programming, concert conversations, and employing live-streaming production for broader audience access and participation.
When it comes to the representation of Black musicians in orchestras, there are a few big problems: institutional and systemic biases that filter out Black musicians from the pipeline early on, a lack of equitable paying opportunities available to Black musicians, and organizational structures that do not value belonging in culturally supportive ways, and therefore alienate Black musicians. This cycle unfortunately limits the visibility of Black and other musicians of color and prevents young musicians from identifying role models that look like them in professional orchestra positions. Representation on stage and in the music they perform helps young people to imagine themselves in the future and see pathways there. The lack of representation is a huge lost opportunity to help enrich the lives of so many of our youth who may aspire to be musicians and one day contribute to the positive evolution of our cultural institutions. Music of The Unsung America was created to address the need for a more diverse and equitable approach to providing professional performance opportunities for and from residents of South Florida.
Music of the Unsung America is dedicated to sourcing professional local talent, commissioning and performing new works by current composers of color, and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized in classical music. This project is committed to social justice by creating an artistic platform that truly prioritizes building community through the classical music arts and reflecting more accurately the rich cultural landscape of South Florida.
*American Composers Forum’s ACF | connect program is made possible with the outstanding generosity of the following individuals: Jane Anfinson, Thomas Arneson, Suzanne Asher, Carol Barnett, Pearl and Bob Bergad, Margee and Will Bracken, Karen Brooks, Richard Cisek and Kay Fredericks, Dee Ann and Kent Crossley, Julia W. Dayton, C. Lee Essrig, Rosemary & David Good Family Foundation, Katherine Goodale, Jeff and Hyun Mee Graves, Mike and Kay McCarthy, Carol Heen, Steve Heitzeg and Gwen Pappas, Kathleen Henschel and John Dewes, Linda and Jack Hoeschler, Leaetta Hough and Bob Muschewske, Sam Hsu and Sally Cheng, Hella Mears Hueg Estate Gift, Thelma Hunter Estate Gift, John and Ruth Huss, George Frederick Jewett Foundation East, Art and Martha Kaemmer, Jon Lewis and Lisa Merklin, Greg McNeely, Alfred and Ann Moore, Louis and Gloria Nuechterlein, John Nuechterlein and Dan Monson, John and Debbie Orenstein, I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation in memory of Thelma Hunter, David and Judy Ranheim, Denice Rippentrop, Vanessa Rose, Bill and Susan Sands, Gale Sharpe, Doug and Kathy Skor, Dan and Ellie Thomas, Stephen and Jayne Usery, Kathleen van Bergen, Janika Vandervelde, Jim Wafler, and Margaret and Angus Wurtele
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit KF.org.
Photo by: Gasen Pierre
Born to immigrant parents, Portia Dunkley is a native of Miami, FL with Bahamian and Haitian carribean roots. In 2017, Portia started Teeny Violini, a mobile music education program for preschools and afterschool programs, providing music education services for historically underserved communities, educating students from preschool-5th grade through weekly programming. In 2019 Portia was chosen as a Fellow for the SphinxL.EA.D (Leaders in Excellence, arts and Diversity) inaugural cohort. In that same year she was recognized by the Knight Foundation with an Arts Challenge Grant for her project, Music of the Unsung America, a multi event lecture-concert series that highlights music compositions by Black composers in the shadows of history. This project creates opportunities for Black and other professional classical musicians of color in South Florida to perform works by Black composers left out of the “traditional” canon of music. Currently she serves as the new Executive Director of the Refugee Orchestra Project whose mission is to demonstrate through music, the vitally important role that refugees from across the globe have played in our country’s culture and society. Inspired by her own experience as a Black woman musician and double bassist and having learned about these Black composers late in her career, Portia hopes that her work with Unsung America and The Refugee Orchestra Project will help build communities of belonging, amplify the voices and creative talents of marginalized artists and inspire young people of all cultures to see themselves reflected in classical music.
Learn more about Portia by listening to her interview on Opus 61 of the Trilloquy podcast hosted by Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship. Listen to Opus 61 here. As part of ACF’s Resonance Series read Sun Yung Shin’s article about Portia here.
Application Fee: $0
Deadline: November 20, 2020 11:59 PM Central
Download a PDF of the Complete Guidelines for Chamber Ensemble Works HERE.
Link to Online SlideRoom Application Form for Chamber Works:
https://americancomposersforum.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/57746
Music of the Unsung America: Celebrating Black Composers in the Shadows of History is a multi-event concert and conversation series that spotlights Black performers presenting works by Black music creators. We seek preexisting chamber ensemble works from music creators who identify as Black for up to 8 performers for a performance by a new Southern Florida–based ensemble, scheduled to take place in February and March 2021. Up to three works can be submitted. The instrumentation can be any combination of the following instruments, but must include at least one string performer, one part per instrument with the exception of violin which can include two parts: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, voice (any voice type), flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, and trombone and that are no longer than 20 minutes in duration, movements of longer works will be considered. The two selected composers will receive a performance of their work, a $1,000 cash award, $500 for workshops with musicians, and a $200 honorarium for a brief panel discussion. Works will be performed via pre recorded live stream, one work in February 2021 and one work in March 2021. In keeping with our organization’s mission to support Music of the Unsung America and also supporting regional culture: we are seeking works by Black composers that have substantial ties and/or be a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie. Scores and parts for the selected works will need to be submitted by Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
ELIGIBILITY
- In keeping with our organization’s mission to support the “Music of the Unsung America” project and also supporting local artists: we are seeking works by Black composers who have substantial ties and/or are permanently residing in South Florida.
- Applicants must have substantial ties and/or be a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie.
- Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. DACA status applicants are eligible to apply.
AWARD
The two selected composers will receive a performance of their selected work via digital streaming platform, a $1,000 cash award, $500 for workshops with musicians, and a $200 honorarium for a brief panel discussion. Workshops with the ensemble and panel discussion will take place remotely via online conferencing. The composer will also receive a recording of the performance for portfolio purposes.
NOTIFICATION
Applicants will be notified via email of their application status by January 11, 2021. Scores and parts for the selected works will need to be submitted by Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- We are seeking previously-created chamber works that include strings. Previously performed works are eligible. Works can be no longer than 20 minutes in duration, and movements of longer works will be considered.
- Submit no more than three works for up to 8 performers .The instrumentation can be any combination of the following instruments, but must include at least one string performer, one part per instrument with the exception of violin which can include two parts: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, voice (any voice type), flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, and trombone.
- If available please submit a link to a recording of the work or a MIDI realization.
- The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work.
- If text/lyrics/words are used, proof of public domain or author’s written permission for use of text is required.
- Incomplete, ineligible, or late applications will not be considered.
HOW TO APPLY
There is no application fee. Complete an online submission form via SlideRoom. Upload or submit links to pdfs of the score(s) (up to 10MB) clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the work on the cover page. Please include a full instrumentation list after the cover page. The application process must be completed by 11:59 pm CST on November 20, 2020. Late submissions will not be considered.
Music Creator’s Personal Information (Questions 1 – 11)
Name, Address, Phone, Email Address, A Link One of the Following: Website, FaceBook Artist Page, Bandcamp or SoundCloud Page.
Question Regarding Substantial Ties and/or Residency to counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie. (Questions 12)
Music Creator’s Biography (Questions 13)
Maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces.
Words/Lyrics Permissions: If there are words/lyrics in any of your submitted pieces and you did not create them yourself, you are required to show proof that the text is in the public domain or that you have written permission from the author or the publisher of each set of text. Upload all permission(s) in one PDF document here. (PDF Up to 10 MB Max) (Questions 14)
Up to Three Works Can Be Submitted (Question 15 – 35)
For each work provide: a link to audio samples if available, PDF of the score (up to 10MB Max), title of composition, year of composition, duration, instrumentation (Maximum 1,000 characters, including spaces), and a brief description of the work (Maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces).
Music Creator’s Demographic Information (Questions 36 – 37)
Providing this information is optional.
Questions Regarding Social Media and How You Learned About this Opportunity (Questions 38 – 39)
Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions (Question 40)
By applying, you attest:
-
- to the accuracy of the information supplied in the application.
- application materials submitted are the applicants sole and original work. Understand the purpose and conditions of the Music of the Unsung America program and to your acceptance to the program should you be selected as a participant.
- Providing false or misleading information on this application, or failing in any other way to comply with the guidelines will subject you to disqualification to this program.
SELECTION PROCESS
A panel of five professional musicians with diverse musical backgrounds will review all submissions through a multi-round review process. The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. Pieces will also be evaluated according to these broad criteria: Originality, Creative Potential, Overall Musical Effect, Technique, and Impact on the artist and their work if selected for Music of the Unsung America.
ADDRESS QUESTIONS TO
Portia Dunkley, Executive Director, Email: portia@americaunsung.org
RESOURCES FOR UNLISTED LINKS
SoundCloud:
Vimeo:
https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/articles/224818307-Basic-membership
YouTube:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177?hl=en
Google Drive:
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2494822?hl=en
Application Fee: $0
Deadline: FEBRUARY 1, 2021 11:59 PM Central
Download a PDF of the Complete Guidelines for Orchestra or Orchestra & Chorus Works HERE
Link to Online SlideRoom Application Form for Orchestra or Orchestra & Chorus Works:
https://americancomposersforum.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/58369
Music of the Unsung America: Celebrating Black Composers in the Shadows of History is a multi-event concert and conversation series that spotlights Black performers presenting works by Black music creators. We seek preexisting works for orchestra or orchestra and chorus from music creators who identify as Black for a performance by a new South Florida–based ensemble, scheduled to take place in December 2021 in Miami, Florida. We are seeking works that are no longer than 20 minutes in duration, movements of longer works will be considered. One selected composer will receive a performance of their work, a $3,000 cash award, hotel accommodations, domestic travel to and from the performance, and per diem. We are seeking works by Black composers who have substantial ties and/or are a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie.
ELIGIBILITY
- In keeping with our organization’s mission to support the “Music of the Unsung America” project and also supporting local artists: we are seeking works by Black composers of all ages and stages of creative lives who have substantial ties and/or are permanently residing in South Florida. Applicants must have substantial ties to and/or be a resident of one of the following counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie.
- Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. DACA status applicants are eligible to apply.
AWARD
The selected composer/creator will receive a performance of their work, a $3,000 cash award, hotel accommodations for rehearsals and performance, domestic travel to and from the performance, per diem, and $300 honorarium for panel discussion. The composer will also receive a recording of the performance for archival purposes.
NOTIFICATION
Applicants will be notified via email of their application status by June 2021.
Scores and parts for the selected works will need to be submitted by July 31, 2021.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Each composer may submit only one composition for consideration.
- Compositions must not be more than 20 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work may also be considered, and the length of that segment is up to the discretion of the organization’s artistic staff.
- Instrumentation should not exceed the standard symphonic complement: winds at 2-flutes, 2-oboes, 2-clarinets, 2-bassoons; brass at 2-horns, 2-trumpets, 2-trombones, 1-tuba; harp, piano, 2 percussion, and strings. Doublings allowed: piccolo, bass clarinet, English horn, contrabassoon, and bass trombone. If the submitted work does not meet this orchestration, composers should expect some re-orchestration will be requested if chosen.
- Works for the orchestra complement listed above and Choir (SATB) will also be accepted.
- If text/lyrics/words are used, proof of public domain or author’s written permission for use of text is required.
- Compositions may not include instrumental or vocal soloists, MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement.
- If available, please submit a recording of the work or a MIDI realization.
- The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work.
- Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
The composer selected is responsible for delivering professional-quality score and parts, but a printing stipend of up to $500 will be provided to offset costs.
HOW TO APPLY
There is no application fee. Complete an online submission form via SlideRoom.
Applicants must complete a free online submission form via SlideRoom.
Upload or submit links to pdfs of the score(s) (up to 10MB) clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the work on the cover page. Please include a full instrumentation list after the cover page. The application process must be completed by 11:59 pm CST on February 1, 2021. Late submissions will not be considered.
Music Creator’s Personal Information (Questions 1 – 11) Name, Address, Phone, Email Address, A Link to One of the Following: Website, FaceBook Artist Page, Bandcamp or SoundCloud Page.
Question Regarding Substantial Ties and/or Residency to counties in South Florida (Questions 12) Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Lee, Hendry, Martin, Glades, Charlotte, Okeechobee, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Collier, St. Lucie.
Music Creator’s Biography (Questions 13) Maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces.
Words/Lyrics Permissions (Questions 14) If there are words/lyrics in any of your submitted pieces and you did not create them yourself, you are required to show proof that the text is in the public domain or that you have written permission from the author or the publisher of each set of text. Upload all permission(s) in one PDF document here. (PDF Up to 10 MB Max)
Submitted Work (only one selected) (Question 15 – 21) For the work provided: a link to audio if available, PDF of the score (up to 10MB), title of composition, year of composition, duration, instrumentation (Maximum 2,000 characters, including spaces), and a brief description of the work (Maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces).
Music Creator’s Demographic Information (Questions 22 – 23) Providing this information is optional. Please note the intention of the program is to support artists who identify as Black or African-American in their racial identity (mixed race included). Your answer here is optional but it greatly helps us understand more about the backgrounds of the applicant pool and success of our recruitment efforts.
Questions Regarding Social Media and How You Learned About this Opportunity (Questions 24 – 25)
Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions (Question 26)
By applying, you attest:
-
- to the accuracy of the information supplied in the application.
- application materials submitted are the applicants sole and original work. Understand the purpose and conditions of the Music of the Unsung America program and to your acceptance to the program should you be selected as a participant.
- Providing false or misleading information on this application, or failing in any other way to comply with the guidelines will subject you to disqualification to this program.
SELECTION PROCESS
A panel of five professional musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, selected by Portia Dunkley in consultation with ACF, will review all submissions through a multi-round review process. The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criterion. Pieces will also be evaluated according to these broad criteria: Originality, Creative Potential, Overall Musical Effect, Technique, and Impact on the artist and their work if selected for Music of the Unsung America.
ADDRESS QUESTIONS TO
Portia Dunkley, Executive Director, Email: portia@americaunsung.org
RESOURCES FOR UNLISTED LINKS
SoundCloud:
Vimeo:
https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/articles/224818307-Basic-membership
YouTube:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177?hl=en
Google Drive:
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2494822?hl=en