Process for Assistance Application and Selection

For the 2007-08 Season the Early Music Guild will continue to offer its Musicians of the Guild concerts, an aggressively  publicized series featuring Seattle-area artists.  These concerts are seen as a partnership between the Early Music Guild and the local artists.  The EMG provides financial assistance in support towards concert production costs and publicity, along with additional non-monetary administrative assistance.  The performing artists also have explicit responsibilities for concert production, and receive all proceeds from ticket sales.  Performers and groups participating in this program will be determined through an application and selection process administered by a committee of the EMG Board. 

This program is supported by individual donations to the Early Music Guild.

 A detailed description of the program and it application procedures and qualifications follows.

CONTENTS

·        Focus of the Assistance Program

·        Applicant Eligibility

·        Types of Assistance Provided

·        Obligations and Responsibilities of Assisted Artists

·        Evaluation Factors

·        Deadlines

·        Timetable and Application Process

FOCUS OF THE MUSICIANS OF THE GUILD CONCERTS

This EMG program assists musicians in producing early music concerts in the Seattle area.  For this program, “early music” means music of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods that is performed in the style and on instruments (either originals or reproductions) of the appropriate period.  This program is designed to support the efforts of Seattle-area musicians.  Assistance is provided only for performances that are open to the general public.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be either a soloist or an ensemble performing with voice(s) and/or period instrument(s) or reconstructions.

• The majority of the repertoire must include music of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque or Classical periods performed in a historically informed style.

• Applicants must be members of Early Music Guild.  (For recital type programs, the major soloist(s) must be members, for large ensembles and consorts, at least 50% of those performing must be members.)

• Applicants must be residents of the greater Seattle-Puget Sound area.

• Performers selected for the previous season’s concerts may reapply, but are encouraged to do so as members of a different ensemble or configuration.  Preference may be given to soloists and ensembles not represented in the previous season’s concerts.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY EMG

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: 

EMG will provide pre-concert assistance:

• Media Guide to help artists make media contacts;

• Providing a set of press mailing labels; mailing labels (500-2,500 as requested) to potential concert goers;

• Access to the EMG bulk mailing permit;

• Processing of pre-concert mail order and telephone order ticket sales;

• Concert planning, and facility arrangements, to be done in consultation with the artists.

SCHEDULING AND VENUE:  EMG will work with the artists to determine performing venue(s) and performance dates and times, with the aim of providing a cohesive offering of concerts.

PUBLICITY: EMG will publicize the selected concerts in its newsletter, MUSICA!, in its International Series Program booklet, and on its web site.  EMG will work with the artists to coordinate the design, production and distribution of individual concert promotion flyers.  The EMG logo must appear on all publicity and EMG staff will proof all final copy for programs and press materials.

FINANCIAL:  EMG will offer up to $500 per application towards performance production costs.  These include costs for promotion flyer design, printing and mailing (postage); program printing; instrument rental; and hall rental (these costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of receipts).

OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTED ARTISTS

The artists and ensembles selected for assistance will receive all proceeds from ticket sales.  As a partner with EMG in presenting their concert, they will have the responsibilities listed below.  EMG staff will not be responsible for these duties.

• Arrange and “contract” performing artists.

• Provide 3 hours of in-office time for mailing publicity materials.

• Providing concert-day ticket takers, ushers, and concert manager.

• Arranging instrument rental, delivery, tuning, etc.

• Writing press release and publicity material, with some assistance from EMG.

• Designing program and delivering and pickup from printer.

• Tracking all expenses and providing receipts for EMG reimbursement.

The contract form available from the Early Music Guild office describes the specific assistance provided by EMG and the obligations and responsibilities of the assisted musicians. Applicants should note that EMG will provide only technical and financial assistance for approved concerts; assisted artist(s) are responsible for all concert production arrangements.

EVALUATION FACTORS

The Early Music Guild will give priority to qualified applications that meet current areas of focus:

1. Emerging artists and ensembles;

2. Early music repertory not frequently performed in the Seattle area;

3. Uncommon combination or joining of performing forces.

The quality of an applicant's performance and its authenticity in terms of style and performing media are critical factors. Production considerations are also important, including, among other factors, the proposed site of the concert, potential for conflict between the proposed concert date(s) and other early music or chamber music events. The EMG will also seek to maintain a good variety of musical styles and types of ensembles through its selection.

DEADLINES

A letter of intent to apply is due May 25, 2007.  Completed, final application materials with recording are due June 22, 2007.

TIMETABLE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

• May 25, 2007: Letter of interest describing the project and naming the participants due at EMG office. 

• June 22, 2007: A completed and signed official Application, Contract and Loan Agreement form (available from the EMG Office) describing the ensemble and the proposed project/ repertoire must be received at EMG office (by email, post, or fax) by 5:00 PM.  [NOTE: Make one copy of the form for your records, and submit the original.]

•  June 22, 2007: With above application, submit

  • Three (3) copies of an unedited audition recording (either live performance or recorded in a studio, but not edited), no longer than one hour in length on CD (or cassette tape).

  • Three (3) copies of the program, but with no performer’s names indicated on either recordings or programs.

  •  On a separate sheet of paper, submit names, addresses, phone numbers, instruments, and short bios of all performers, and, if an ensemble, the history of the group.

• July 13, 2007: Award recipients announced.

• July 23, 2007: Final contract and commitment confirmed between performers and EMG.

[ Concert Assistance ] [ Musicians of the Guild ] [ Professional Affiliate ]

[ EMG Home ] [ Concerts ] [ Education ] [ Support Services ] [ Seattle Scene ] [ WEB Resources ]

For further information contact:

Last modified: April 02, 2007
Copyright © 1999-2008 Early Music Guild