The International Society of Bassists is a partner organization in the Music Teachers National Association‘s (MTNA) “Year of Collaborative Music.” From March, 2010 through March, 2011, we will be encouraging ISB members to present concerts and events that promote the role of the bass in small ensembles. This is an inclusive initiative, open to amateurs and professionals in all styles of music: jazz, rock, classical, folk, free-form improvisation, and everything else that our members play. It can include classical chamber groups, bass ensembles, jazz combos or any other small group.
For this project, collaborative music is defined broadly as any activity involving two or more musicians, particularly one-per-part, non-conducted ensembles. The umbrella definition would include professionals, amateurs, families, retirees, students of all ages or any combination of interested musicians.

One goal of the YCM is to encourage the creation – by adaptation, improvisation, or writing – of new works of all genres for small ensembles that include bass. For classical musicians involved, there is a great wealth of untapped chamber music repertoire with bass. Another goal of this initiative is to encourage bassists to search for and perform lesser-known works. We will be promoting many different sides of the bass as it is used to create music in all types of groups.

As a part of the yearlong celebration, MTNA has designated January 22, 2011, as the International Day of Collaborative Music (IDCM), one special day devoted to collaborative music making throughout the world. We are hoping that ISB members around the world will create events that celebrate this ideal, and we will post news of those events, both past and future, on a year-long calendar residing on the ISB’s website, which can include links to audio and video performances.

Performers: Let us know of performances that emphasize the bass’s role in collaborative music in any style. Send us the names of performers, a brief description of the concert or event, the location, and contact information to info@isbworldoffice.com.

University Teachers/Professors: Organize an event at your institution (particularly for January 22, 2011), and contact us to be an official ISB Collaborative Music partner. We will help publicize your event on our website and e-newsletter.

Amateurs: Let us know what ideas you have, and what resources you have found to help you connect with other musicians for collaborative music readings and performances.

If you have any questions, contact the ISB at info@isbworldoffice.com.

RESOURCES

Here are some helpful links for collaborative music:

MTNA’s webpage for the Year of Collaborative Music is www.mtna.org/Default.aspx?tabid=677.

Paul Nemeth has created a massive database of chamber music works with bass. If you’re looking for repertoire ideas go to www.paulnemeth.com/basschamber.htm.

Double Bass.org also has a chamber music listing at www.double-bass.org/music.html.

ISB board member and chair of its YCM initiative Jeremy Kurtz will be posting articles relating to the Year of Collaborative Music and chamber music with bass on his website throughout the year at www.jeremykurtz.com/writing.html.

The Amateur Classical Musicans Association has relevant information for finding other musicians who are looking for chamber groups at www.nycclassical.com.

The Chamber Music Network also has helpful listings for finding other musicians at www.acmp.net/index.php.

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