October 2001 Composer Associations Patrick Harrex, spnm shortlisted composer and member of New Music Brighton, outlines the activities and benefits of membership of local composer associations.     Over recent years several local composer associations have been established across Great Britain. Many composers will now find one in their area or region. The interest being shown by spnm in publicising the activities of these associations will, I hope, encourage more composers to join one and also, perhaps, provide the basis of a network through which we can share information and ideas, something begun by the Composers' Guild, but which fell by the wayside on its amalgamation into the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. Why have local groups been formed? A common thread, unsurprisingly, is a recognition that composers work in isolation and, therefore, there is a place for an organisation that provides mutual support and encouragement. New Music Brighton's membership policy is inclusive, so any composer living or working in Sussex, whatever their background, experience, genre or compositional style, may join. Other groups take a similar line. For example, David Penri-Evans, who established the Portsmouth District Composers' Alliance in 1989, expresses the view that 'if someone thinks they are a composer, or wants to support our activities, they should be allowed to join. Whatever their level of experience and ability, any composer will learn and benefit from their membership.' What do we do? Like other of the associations, NMB has always focused on putting on concerts of members' works, although not exclusively: in October we will host a student workshop. The pooling of resources to put on concerts is, I think, the greatest benefit of the local group. For new composers there is nothing more helpful to your development than to hear your works performed, and established composers need as much exposure as they can get! Our selection policy has been very open. Generally, if a member submits a work and can provide or identify performers then it is included. The outcome of this policy has been remarkably well-balanced events and a consistently high standard, thanks also to support by excellent and sympathetic local performers. Of course, if a particular ensemble is engaged, the selection process must recognise the performers' right to choose what they play. Some other groups have adopted more structured approaches to selection and to promoting their members' music. For example, Nottingham Composers have focused on collaborative projects with local organisations and musicians, culminating in chamber orchestra and concerto concerts. The spnm Guide to Composer Associations is now available - click here for details. Some associations even publish members' works, in addition to putting on concerts and workshops, and many can offer a wide range of practical support. One such group is Composers of Wales, which gives information to composers about performing groups and distributes information to other musicians about what composers can offer. Members' scores, are displayed whenever possible, and a comprehensive newsletter is published three times a year. They recently published a handbook 'So you want to commission a composer?' aimed at first-time commissioners. Enid Luff tells me that they 'have only just begun'! Of course, the range of activities offered will depend on demand from members, available resources - people and financial - and perhaps most of all on the imagination, enthusiasm and involvement of us, the members. The views expressed by Patrick Harrex are his own. He is grateful for comments given to him by members of a number of composers' associations in the course of preparing this article. What do you think? We would welcome any responses to the articles featured in new notes. Click here to read what other people have thought about recent cover articles. The monthly listings magazine new notes is essential reading for composers, performers, and everyone interested in what's new in new music. In its printed version new notes reaches over 5,000 contemporary music enthusiasts in the UK and around the world. If you promote new music events you should advertise them in new notes. Single concert listings are just £50+VAT. The magazine also features ads for festivals, composer competitions, recordings and more. new notes also features monthly articles on issues at the forefront of new music special offers on CDs, tickets, scores and books for spnm members information about forthcoming spnm events a free classified section for spnm members' non-trade ads. For full details on advertising or inserting leaflets in new notes please contact the Editor: John Fosbrook e-mail telephone fax

Event listings for this month   Previous articles: September 2001 Private Commissioning July 2001 Joined-up Commissioning May 2001 The Martland Interview April 2001 Looking Four-wards March 2001 Chamber Made February 2001 Publishing, Promotion and Profitability January 2001 From the World to the Warehouse December 2000 What price new music? November 2000 Composing for dance from start to finish October 2000 John Lambert remembered July 2000 Joanna MacGregor June 2000 Announcing the shortlist May 2000 Word of mouse April 2000 Child's Play March 2000 tables turned February 2000 the ENO Studio January 2000 a challenge from Michael Oliva December 1999 into the next century... November 1999 Joanna MacGregor writes October 1999 obsessed with consuming? September 1999 spnm welcomes Joanna MacGregor. July/August 1999 Spectrum 2 - miniatures for piano. June 1999 Hoxton Hall New Music Days. May 1999 Bath International Music Festival is 50. April 1999 Who is Georges Aperghis? March 1999 On frost, birth and death February 1999 Keeping busy... January 1999 Now that's what I call contemporary!