2027 Pitt Jazz Composers Concert

Call for Scores: Pitt Jazz Composers Concert

Scores due January 31, 2027

The Pitt Jazz Composers Concert provides an opportunity for members of the Pitt community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) to compose and arrange works for a professional jazz orchestra. The concert will consist of a reading/rehearsal session all day on Saturday, March 20, and the public performance the next afternoon, March 21. Both events will be held in Bellefield Hall Auditorium on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Submission Details

Scores:

  • Scores should be sent to pittjazzcomposers@gmail.com to be entered. Scores may be in XML, PDF, Dorico, or Sibelius (2026.9 or earlier). Hard copies may be sent to the address below.

  • Full scores with a staff for each instrument (the rhythm section can be combined however) are preferred. However, like instruments with the same transposition can be combined.

  • Scores should be transposed. (not concert pitch)

  • Hard copies are required for music selected for the concert. Scores and a complete set of parts for the accepted music should be received by March 5th at this address:

    University of Pittsburgh 
    Department of Music
    Re: Pitt Jazz Composers Concert
    110 Music Building
    Pittsburgh, PA 15260

 

Compositions/Arrangements:
The jazz orchestra for the Pitt Jazz Composers Orchestra will have the following instrumentation: 

  • Saxophones: Two alto, two tenor, and one baritone saxophone—doubles: soprano sax (lead alto, either tenor), flute, clarinet (any chair), bass clarinet (baritone and second tenor) are our doubles. 
  • Trombones: 3 tenor and one bass trombone, tuba is available either as a bass trombone double or as an additional horn.
  • Trumpets: 4 trumpets (flugelhorn doubles).
  • Rhythm section: acoustic or electric piano, acoustic or electric bass, drums, additional percussionist (vibes, congas, etc.).
  • Any additional performing forces will be considered but those performers (vocalists, dancers, guitarists, additional percussionists) must be provided by the submitter. The submitting composer/arranger is responsible for supplying all instrumental parts for the rehearsal and performance.

 

Schedule of Events

January 31, 2027 -- Submission Deadline

February 15, 2027 -- Notification of Selected Pieces

March 20, 2027 -- Open Rehearsal, Bellefield Hall

March 21, 2027 -- Public Performance, Bellefield Hall