TEXAS NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
A nonprofit organization dedicated to the enrichment of Texas communities through the performance of contemporary art music.
TEXAS NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL
GLOBAL SOUNDS, TEXAS MUSICIANS
About the festival
The Texas New Music Festival is a vibrant international summer music festival bringing contemporary aesthetics to the Houston community through world-class performances, workshops, and lectures. During the eight-day festival, TNMF provides daily professional development opportunities for a broad range of international musical artists throughout various stages of their careers.
Participating composers and conductors will work alongside our international roster of guest artists, creating a series of immersive concerts for Houston audiences and visitors. Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available. Come join us!
At a glance...
Located in the heart of America’s 4th largest city, the Texas New Music Festival runs from July 14th - 21st, 2024, at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH).
While attending the festival, composers can expect to have their music performed by one of our three resident ensembles; Texas New Music Ensemble (Pierrot Ensemble), Texas Festival Ensemble (15-piece Chamber Ensemble), or Carya String Quartet, while conductors will have the opportunity to lead these remarkable musicians in multiple performances.
Composer participants will present their music in focal sessions with Rob Smith and Chad Robinson, as conductors will receive guidance from both Michelle Perrin Blair and Felipe Tristan. All participants will take part in our film festival, multiple entrepreneurship and fundraising seminars, and attend a dynamic set of artist lectures and workshops. Composers will also compose a new 2-minute work for solo flute or clarinet (your choice) to be workshopped and recorded by Meg Griffith or Poppy Beddoe during the festival.
Participation Fees
Our mission at Texas New Music Festival is to provide the greatest opportunity at the most equitable level possible. TNMF has worked with our broad base of donors and supporting organizations to create built-in scholarships for all participants, allowing us to keep the participation fees as low as possible. TNMF does not offer housing or food, but hotels, AirBnBs, and Midtown’s renowned food and drink scene all within walking distance of the festival. Additionally, Houston’s MetroRail connects participants to the entire city with a stop located at MATCH’s main entrance. Come experience all this magnificent city has to offer! Additional Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available.
Package A
-
Submit a newly composed or previously written work for performance by Texas New Music Ensemble (Pierrot Ensemble) up to 8 minutes in length.
-
Five rehearsals (with conductor)
-
Your choice: Create a 2-minute work for solo flute or solo clarinet to be workshopped and recorded during the festival by Meg Griffith or Poppy Beddoe
-
$1250 Participant Fee
-
18 spots available (17 remaining)
Package B
-
Submit a newly composed or previously written work for performance by the Texas Festival Ensemble (15-piece large chamber ensemble) up to 8 minutes in length. (vln I, vln II, vla, vlc, bass, flt, oboe, clr, bsn, tpt, F horn, trombone, tuba, piano, percussion (1 player): marimba, vibraphone, crotales, snare drum, bass drum, med. tam-tam)
-
Four rehearsals (with conductor)
-
Your choice: Create a 2-minute work for solo flute or solo clarinet to be workshopped and recorded during the festival by Meg Griffith or Poppy Beddoe
-
$1500 Participant Fee
-
Eight spots available (5 remaining)
Package C
-
Submit a newly composed or previously written work for performance by the Carya String Quartet and work with one of our Guest Choreographers via Zoom to create a short ballet to be premiered live at TNMF.
-
Length of work 8-10 min
-
Three rehearsals with choreographers, dancers, and Carya String Quartet
-
Your choice: Create a 2-minute work for solo flute or solo clarinet to be workshopped and recorded during the festival by Meg Griffith or Poppy Beddoe
-
$2000 Participant Fee
-
Four spots available (3 remaining)
Conductors
-
Lead rehearsals and performances of works for both the Texas New Music Ensemble (Pierrot) and the Texas Festival Ensemble (15-piece large chamber ensemble). Receive feedback and coaching from Michelle Perrin Blair and Felipe Tristan.
-
$750 Participation Fee
-
Six spots available (5 remaining)
Internships
Interested in joining our 2024 team? Each summer, Texas New Music Festival gives aspiring professionals an opportunity to develop and expand their skills. You’ll work closely with TNMF production staff as we cultivate each intern's experience to meet their specific goals and needs. Send us an email with your resume, professional interests, and some goals you'd like to achieve during your time with us. We are looking for everything from stage managers and sound engineers to social media experts and film editors, so please feel free to be candid about your goals and how you would like to contribute. Please send all inquiries to: admin@tnme.org
