At the end of the Symposium, the guest artist panel selected works in two categories, Small Group Composition and Big Band Composition, to honor with Symposium New Music Awards. Michael LeBrun's "Jambo" won in the Small Group Composition competition, while Lars Moller took home the trophy in the Big Band Composition category for his original piece "Folk Song #1." LeBrun is a graduate of Northwestern University and performs and composes in the Chicago area, while Moller is presently composer-in-residence with the Danish Radio Big Band, as well as artistic director of the Copenhagen orchestra. Both LeBrun and Moller will receive $500 checks from the Center for Jazz Composition.

Jim McNeely launched the Symposium with a keynote address affirming the role of the jazz composer as a "most noble profession" and inspiring composers to "challenge listeners to put aside their preconceptions...offer them a chance to enter our world (and) hear something that they haven't heard before"; to "inspire listeners to feel something that they haven't felt before" and to "challenge performers to stretch; to reach a little deeper for something they haven't done before, and inspire them to a higher level of performance."

Clinics and presentations offered included the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop spearheaded by McNeely, the Center for Jazz Composition's "Michael Brecker Tribute Project" and the formal presentation of research papers. New music reading sessions highlighted works of 18 composers in three different categories: Big Band, Small Group and Student Compositions. A unique "Composer Poster Showcase" allowed almost two-dozen composers to present their music to attendees in an informal, one-on-one manner via the display of scores, analyses, and listening stations. Another highlight was Artistic Director Chuck Owen and his 17-piece band Jazz Surge, who performed the wide-ranging works of 18 competitively selected composers and master artists Holman & McNeely.

Each day was capped off with an evening concert presenting one of the guest artists' music. In addition to attracting the conference attendees, the shows drew an enthusiastic audience of central Florida jazz fans who were the appreciative beneficiaries of three nights of diverse and scintillating music.

In addition to the sponsorship by BMI, the Symposium was funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts and was supported by WUSF-FM in Tampa.

To view pictures, clips and other highlights from the conference, visit centerforjazzcomp.arts.usf.edu.

The BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra

The evening also featured a competition to choose the winner of the BMI Foundation’s ninth annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, given to the writer of the best new work composed in the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. Composer Jeff Fairbanks won the competition for his song “Bi Bim Bop,” and received a cash award along with a $3,000 commission to compose a new piece for the following year’s concert. Last year’s Manny Albam Commission winner, Jose Bevia, premiered his commissioned work, “Abstractions.” The Commission is named in memory of the Workshop’s co-founder and longtime musical director.

Pictured (l-r): BMI Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Robbin Ahrold; saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom; composer Jim McNeely; Manny Albam Commission winner Jeff Fairbanks; and jazz authority Dan Morgenstern.

This year’s judges include noted jazz authority Dan Morgenstern; soprano saxophonist/composer and 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Jane Ira Bloom; and Latin jazz trombonist/composer Luis Bonilla, member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and sideman to musical greats such as Dizzy Gillespie.

The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz (big band) ensemble. The Workshop – a well-known forum for creative excellence – provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills. McNeely has performed with and written for Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Joe Henderson and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, among others; is a six-time Grammy Award nominee; and The New York Times has called his writing “exhilarating”.

The Symposium is designed as a forum to bring jazz composers of all ages and nationalities together for an informal exchange of ideas, information, and inspiration.

This year's Symposium will include noted master artists Stefon Harris, Bill Holman, Jim McNeely, the Turtle Island String Quartet, among others, in a series of lectures, master classes, panel discussions, new music reading sessions, research presentations, and concerts.

Pre-registration fee is $195 ($165 for students) when purchased by May 2, 2008. After May 2nd, the registration fee is $225 ($195 for students). Registration fee cover the cost of admission to the opening reception and all evening concerts.

To register, click here. Tentative conference schedule information, as well as local accommodations are also listed.

The Symposium is designed as a forum to bring jazz composers of all ages and nationalities together for an informal exchange of ideas, information, and inspiration.

This year's Symposium will include noted master artists Stefon Harris, Bill Holman, Jim McNeely, the Turtle Island String Quartet, among others, in a series of lectures, master classes, panel discussions, new music reading sessions, research presentations, and concerts.

Pre-registration fee is $195 ($165 for students) when purchased by May 2, 2008. After May 2nd, the registration fee is $225 ($195 for students). Registration fee cover the cost of admission to the opening reception and all evening concerts.

To register, click here. Tentative conference schedule information, as well as local accommodations are also listed.

The Symposium is designed as a forum to bring jazz composers of all ages and nationalities together for an informal exchange of ideas, information, and inspiration.

This year's Symposium will include noted master artists Stefon Harris, Bill Holman, Jim McNeely, the Turtle Island String Quartet, among others, in a series of lectures, master classes, panel discussions, new music reading sessions, research presentations, and concerts.

Pre-registration fee is $195 ($165 for students) when purchased by May 2, 2008. After May 2nd, the registration fee is $225 ($195 for students). Registration fee cover the cost of admission to the opening reception and all evening concerts.

To register, click here. Tentative conference schedule information, as well as local accommodations are also listed.

The Symposium is designed as a forum to bring jazz composers of all ages and nationalities together for an informal exchange of ideas, information, and inspiration.

This year's Symposium will include noted master artists Stefon Harris, Bill Holman, Jim McNeely, the Turtle Island String Quartet, among others, in a series of lectures, master classes, panel discussions, new music reading sessions, research presentations, and concerts.

Pre-registration fee is $195 ($165 for students) when purchased by May 2, 2008. After May 2nd, the registration fee is $225 ($195 for students). Registration fee cover the cost of admission to the opening reception and all evening concerts.

To register, click here. Tentative conference schedule information, as well as local accommodations are also listed.

Workshop member Bryan Knox conducts his composition entitled "Seasick."

BMI's 2006 Charlie Parker Prize winner Asuka Kakitani conducts her award-winning composition, "Dance 1," during a special BMI Jazz Composers Workshop concert at the IAJE Convention. Kakitani's piece was one of six presented in the hour-long concert by the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra.

In addition to BMI’s presence as a first-time IAJE exhibitor, a highlight of the company’s participation at this year’s four-day gathering included a special performance by members of the esteemed BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. The Jan. 12 concert featured award-winning works and some of the best compositions from the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 16-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading Workshop members.

BMI’s Jean Banks (center) with jazz virtuoso Joe Lovano and Workshop Musical Director Jim McNeeley, both 2007 Grammy nominees

BMI also sponsored IAJE’s 7th Annual Gala Dinner on Jan. 10, honoring Dr. David Baker with the Lawrence Berk Leadership Award and composer Michel Legrand with the IAJE Presidents Award.

Gala honoree Dr. David Baker (center) is congratulated by BMI’s Robbin Ahrold and Workshop Musical Director Jim McNeeley

Now in its second decade, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz/big band ensemble. The Workshop—a well-known forum for creative excellence-provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills.

BMI’s Leslie Morgan and Mark Barron greet an IAJE Conference attendee at the BMI booth

BMI is a long-time supporter of IAJE, whose mission is to ensure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education through research, financial assistance and advocating for jazz in all appropriate forums. The association’s role as the leading voice for the global jazz community is reflected in the 2007 IAJE Conference with programming for educators, musicians, students and industry executives, providing professional development and training for all segments of its membership.

The special IAJE showcase will feature award-winning works and some of the best compositions from the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 16-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading Workshop members. Composer Asuka Kakitani, winner of the BMI Foundation's 2006 Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and the 2006 Manny Albam Commission, will conduct her winning piece entitled "Dance I." Charlie Parker Prize finalists Javier Arau and Tom Goehring will also take the stage to conduct their works, as will Workshop members Michele Caniato, Jeff Fairbanks and Bryan Knox.

Now in its second decade, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz/big band ensemble. The Workshop-a well-known forum for creative excellence-provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills.

With a rich history in both jazz music and music education, BMI is a long-time supporter of IAJE, whose mission is to ensure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education through research, financial assistance and advocating for jazz in all appropriate forums. The association's role as the leading voice for the global jazz community is reflected in the 2007 IAJE Conference with programming for educators, musicians, students and industry executives, providing professional development and training for all segments of its membership.

Red Hot Chili Peppers	James Blunt	Chris Brown

Nods for the California-based foursome include Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for their Stadium Arcadium set, along with Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for the single "Dani California."

Corinne Bailey Rae	Carrie Underwood	Dixie Chicks

Also topping the BMI nominee list was James Blunt (PRS), who is up for five Grammys including Record and Song of the Year for his smash "You're Beautiful." The angel-voiced singer also hopes to add a Best New Artist Grammy to his growing list of awards and faces other BMI newcomers Chris Brown, Corinne Bailey Rae and Carrie Underwood.

will.i.am	John Williams	Gnarls Barkley

Israel Houghton	T.I.

Country trio the Dixie Chicks and Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also took home five nominations each, with mentions in the Best Country Album and Producer of the Year categories, respectively. The in-demand producer's handful of potential Grammys includes two for himself and two with BEP, as well as one as part of the Jawbreaker production team that worked on Justin Timberlake's Album of Year entry, FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Gnarls Barkley, whose hit "Crazy" will battle for the coveted Record of the Year title, earned a total of four mentions, as did gospel giant Israel Houghton and Atlanta rapper T.I., who will vie for the Best Rap Song ("What You Know") and Best Rap Album (King) trophies. Celebrated film composer John Williams was also a four-time nominee and will compete against himself in both the movie score and instrumental composition categories.

Other big BMI names on the Grammy nominees list were Christina Aguilera, The Racontuers, Jamie Foxx, Calle 13, Jim McNeely, Death Cab for Cutie, Mos Def, Rascal Flatts, Donald Lawrence, Julieta Venegas (SGAE), Harry Gregson-Williams and Rosanne Cash.

Click here for a complete list of BMI Grammy nominees.

For the past 13 years, BMI has sponsored the Composer's Competition, which awards $10,000 to the young composer who best demonstrates originality, creativity and excellence in jazz composition. This year's judges included three members of the BMI family: Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, musical directors of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, and clarinet player Don Byron.

BMI's Robbin Ahrold and Phil Graham, grand prize winner Kálmán Oláh, and TS Monk, Jr.

Born in 1970 in Budapest, Hungary, Kálmán Oláh began playing classical piano at the age of seven and started studying jazz piano at age 14. Greatly influenced by his grand-uncle, a Hungarian jazz pianist who was also one of his teachers, he continued playing jazz and began composing at the age of 17. Oláh attended the Béla Bartok Conservatory and completed his musical studies at the Franz Liszt Music University. In 1990, he established Trio Midnight, which launched his career in jazz. Since then, he has performed at festivals and concerts throughout the world.

Former BMI/Monk Jazz Composer's Competition winner Jackie Terrason (l), who performed "Always," congratulates 2006 winner Kálmán Oláh

Over the past decade, Oláh has recorded and performed compositions that fuse jazz and contemporary classical music with Hungarian folk music. Renowned for his distinctive compositional style and his original approach to playing jazz, Oláh has played and recorded with a number of well-known artists, including Lee Konitz, Randy Brecker, Pat Metheny, Steve Grossman, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci and Kenny Wheeler. He has recorded 10 albums in a variety of settings, including trio with strings, solo with chamber orchestra, and piano and bass duets, along with his rendition of Bach's "Goldberg Variations," which features his own improvisations over Bach's original themes.

Currently, Oláh is a member of the jazz faculty of the Liszt Music Academy of Budapest and leads big band workshops at the Berlin Jazz Institute. He plans to record a Concerto for Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band, and is working on arrangements for his new compositions, which will be included on an album in memory of Béla Bartok. Earlier this year, Oláh received the Franz Liszt Award, the most prestigious award for music given by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture.

BMI is proud to represent the work of Thelonious Monk and the majority of today's outstanding jazz composers, including Monk Award winners Joshua Redman and Jackie Terrasson. BMI supports the careers of more than 220,000 American composers, and we are proud to represent Herbie Hancock, the Institute's Chairman, Billy Dee Williams, and, of course, T.S. Monk, Jr.

Established in 1986 in memory of the renowned jazz pianist and composer, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz aims to preserve America's legacy of jazz through performance and education. The Institute offers the world's most promising young musicians college level training by America's jazz masters and presents public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world. Additionally, the Institute provides scholarships, performance opportunities and worldwide recognition to gifted young musicians through its many jazz education programs. The Institute's most recent project is Jazz in America: The National Jazz Curriculum, a free Internet-based curriculum for 5th, 8th and 11th grade public school students.  ]]> 2006-09-18T05:00:00-05:00