Machine Project

Commission

• How many pieces should I write?
• When are the pieces due?
• Can I write an octet?
• How long can they be?
• Wait, whats going on? Who has commissioned these pieces?
• How will my pieces be performed?
• How many times will my pieces be performed?
• Who will be performing my music?
• Do you have details about the instruments?
• Can I see a picture of the Little William Theater?
• How many people can fit in the theater?
• When and How do I receive my honorarium?

Documentation

• Can you provide me with recordings?
• How will the event be documented?
• Will you be able to purchase a copy of the recordings?
• How about the scores?
• What form would you like the scores when I am finished?

Commission

How Many Pieces should I write?
Four: one for two violins, one for two tubas, one for two accordions(keyboard, full sized–41 keys and 120 buttons), and one for two clarinets(any combination of B-flat and Bass).

When are my pieces due?
May 1, 2010

Can I write an Octet for all of these instruments?
If you would like to compose an octet, it must be performable as four separate duos of like instruments.

How long can the pieces be?
Anywhere under two minutes.

Wait, whats going on?  Who has commissioned these pieces?
The Hammer Museum (UCLA) has received a grant from the Irvine Foundation to have a small, experimental art space in residence each year for the next four years. The Machine Project is the art space for 2010.  Chris Kallmyer has worked with Machine doing experimental music for the last few years, and is now curating projects at the Hammer as part of the residency. The Little William Theater is one of the projects: the festival of new music being its culminating event.

If you would like to note the commission on a website, piece, tattoo:
Commissioned by the Machine Project for the Little William Theater | Festival of New Music at the Hammer Museum (UCLA)

How will my pieces be performed?
Each duo will be “in residence” on different days.  So, tubas will perform their duos one saturday, while the next saturday will be all violin duos.  Your piece will be performed next to pieces by other composers.

How many times will each work be performed?
Each work will probably be performed somewhere between 2 and 4 times.

Who is performing my music?
—-Violins: Andrew Tholl and Andrew McIntosh
—-Clarinets: James Sullivan and Brian Walsh
—-Tubas: Doug Tornquist and Luke Storm
—-Accordions: Daniel Corral and Isaac Schankler

Do you have details about the instruments?
YES! Here they are:

CLARINETS:

please write for any combination of Bb and Bass Clarinet
Both of the Bass Clarinets being used have a written ‘low C’ extension.

ACCORDION:

Isaac Schankler:

“I have a full size piano accordion (120 bass, 41 keys). For the piano keys, I have a lower octave reed, and three middle octave reeds (“musette” tuning) and a variety of stops with various combinations of those. I do not however have a high octave “piccolo” reed. (Though if a composer really wants to use that range I may be able to borrow an accordion with that option).”

Daniel Corrall:

“here’s a little about my accordion. It’s very similar to Isaac’s. same number of keys, buttons. I do have the piccolo reed that Isaac mentioned. There are specific reed combinations that the different stops activate. There are specific names and symbols for them. (these can be referenced here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accordion_reed_ranks_&_switches )Another key feature of mine is the MASTER switch. It activates all of the reeds. Also, it is in a unique place beneath the keyboard, where you can hit it with your wrist.”

A note on stops from Isaac Schankler:

“Not all composers of accordion music specify these, so often it’s left up to the discretion of the performer. But if a composer has a specific sound in mind, it might be good to indicate in the score. For me, the symbols are instantly recognizable, more so than the names, which I don’t really think about, but that’s just a personal preference that may differ from performer to performer.”

TUBA:

Range: C1 to F4 (I think that’s pedal C to F above middle C)
Equipment: 5 valve F-tubas. Written at sounding pitch.

VIOLINS:

please email with questions if anything comes up.

Can I see a picture of the Little William Theater?
Yes.

casey anderson and julia holter

You should know, the space will be slowly changing over the course of the year, to look more like its older brother, the Billy Wilder Theater:

Billy Wilder Theater :: Hammer Museum

How many people can fit in the Little William Theater?
We have seating for two.  We aim to keep the ratio of two performers to two audience members.  However, we have accommodated up to six people (really, five adults and a baby).

How and when do I receive my honorarium?
You will receive your honorarium after you send in your pieces. We can send you your honorarium through PayPal, or the mail to your home address. If you live in the USA, then either will be fine: its up to you. If you live outside the USA, then PayPal is the easiest way to receive your honorarium. If you do not use PayPal, please feel free to send us your address, and we can send you your honorarium in the mail.

If you’ve already sent in your music, we will be sending out checks starting in April. You’ve caught us off guard with your efficiency and good looks.

Documentation

Can you provide me with recordings of my pieces?
Yes (see below for details).

How will the event be documented?
We have a video camera mounted in the Little William Theater to record the performances.  You can see video of the space on the main page.  We have a staff photographer, and we have plans to install a recording device to record all of your pieces.

Will people be able to purchase recordings?
No.  We will post the recordings for free online.

How about scores?
We are working with a designer to create a book/books of scores.  These will be published through the Machine Project Press, and will be for sale on our website. We will make them “print-on-demand,” and sell them for the cost it takes to print them. No profit will be made.

Can I get a free book?
Unfortunately, no. There are too many composers to do this. It will bankrupt the Little William Theater.

What form would you like the scores when they are finished?
PDF’s and physical scores are equally fine.  If you’d like to mail us physical scores for the performers, our address is 1200 D North Alvarado // Los Angeles, CA 90026.