JAVS Fall 2024

Selection Criteria Selection will occur by an international committee appointed by the AVS. The committee will make selections to fill an album from a broad range of styles and composer demographics. Criteria for selection will include performance quality, length of submission, demographic of the composer, and era/style of composition. Videos should be of the highest quality possible. All performer information will be removed to ensure “blind” judging. Priority will be given to pieces that have not been previously recorded, have few existing professional recordings, or have few high-quality recordings. Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously appeared on an AVS Presents release. Recorded performances that have previously been released are not eligible. If selected, applicants agree to submit an edited, professional quality recording according to the Technical Guidelines for inclusion in this project (listed below) by the deadline listed in the timeline. Submission Procedures All submissions must be accompanied by the application form found at the QR Code. Initial submissions will be by live, unedited video posted on YouTube as an unlisted link provided in the application form. The AVS will extract audio from the video submissions and submit audio files to the selection committee for anonymity. There is no application fee to submit, although you must be an active member of the AVS in good standing. Technical Guidelines for Selected Works If selected, applicants agree to submit a final product that is an edited, professional quality recording according to the following Technical Guidelines: • Recorded and edited by a professional recording engineer in a suitable space (quiet concert hall, recording studio, etc.) • Audio recording delivered as stems (separate files for each instrument and / or room mics), in 24bit/96kHz resolution • For further details, please refer to the guidelines and/or reach out to [recording-label@americanviolasociety.org

Guidelines can be viewed by scanning the QR code below:

FAQ What constitutes a broad range of demographics for the composer? The AVS welcomes submissions from all composers, regardless of skin color, ethnic background, ability, nationality or sexuality. I’m interested, but I’m not able to cover the recording and editing costs myself. What are my options? The primary intent of this project is to assist AVS members who may not have the financial or logistical means to produce an entire album on their own. Through a compilation album, we hope that the shared, fractional cost will put professional recordings at the reach of more AVS members, further their careers, and enhance the recorded repertoire available for all who love the viola. The AVS is committed to fundraising to keep the costs as low as possible for participants; however, we strongly encourage all interested violists to seek creative fundraising solutions such as crowdsourcing, hosting a recital with donations to help cover your costs, and researching professional development awards. Our suggestion is to start early and to fundraise in the event you are selected to ensure you’re ready to record before the deadlines pass. Is there an age limit? No; we welcome violists of all ages to participate.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 40, No. 2, Fall 2024

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