Wednesday, December 3, 2008

WAC announces choral music grant program

The Wyoming Arts Council announces the American Masterpiece Commissioning Choral Music Grant Program which provides up to $3,000 to support and encourage the commissioning of new choral music from American Master Composers.

Wyoming non-profit organizations and tax exempt educational institutions may apply for up to one-half of the costs to commission a new choral work by an American Master composer. Grant funds received must be matched with cash and/or in-kind donations by the grant applicant.

Applications will be accepted immediately for Choral Commission projects that will take place through November 1, 2009. The grant program encourages Wyoming choral music groups to commission new works that they will perform. The groups may contract with American Master composers of their choice.

All American Master choral performance music, including music commissioned through the American Masterpiece Commissioning Choral Music Grant Program will be managed by the Choral Music Library within Laramie County School District #1. Commissioned composers of new and unpublished work must provide the Music Library with one copy of the work and permission for future copies to be made for Library use. If published, the new work will be purchased and permission must be granted by the composer to make copies for the library.

The grant may pay for composer fees, composer travel, and performance costs. Music may be of any length or style but applicants will need to explain how the composer of their choice is a master artist. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks (14 days) before the project start date. Drafts must be submitted at least five workdays prior to that.

To apply for this grant online, visit http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants/Master.asp.

Applicants are urged to call prior to applying because of a limited number of grants available.

For assistance with the Commissioning Choral Music Grant Program call Rita Basom at (307) 777-7473; FAX (307) 777-5499; TDD (307) 777-5964.