NASA 2023 Biennial Conference Proposals Overview

Mark your calendars now to join us Thursday-Sunday, March 30 - April 2, 2023 for the NASA 2023 Biennial Conference at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Call for Proposals for the NASA 2023 Biennial Conference!
Better Together
Celebrating Community, Collaboration, & Diversity

The North American Saxophone Alliance is pleased to announce the NASA 2023 Biennial Conference to be held at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi from Thursday-Sunday, March 30 - April 2, 2023, hosted by Dannel Espinoza. The Biennial will open with a Better Together concert on Thursday, March 30, featuring proposals across all categories and genres that engage with the vision of the conference. The evening concert on Friday, March 31, will feature jazz soloists with the Southern Miss Jazz Lab Band 1. Wind Ensemble soloists will be featured with The University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, April 1. The conference will conclude on Sunday, April 2, 2023 by 1:00 p.m. Central.

The Biennial Conference is a time to come together and celebrate the work of NASA members and their contributions to the field. The curatorial focus of this year's conference is Better Together: Celebrating Community, Collaboration, and Diversity. This theme will guide every programming decision. There are two categories of proposals, Performance and Non-Performance, which are further broken down into specific subcategories below.

In order for a proposal in any category to be fully considered, it must align with the theme of the conference. Proposals that align with the theme of the conference should contain one or more of the following aspects (this list is not exhaustive, but can serve as a guide as you create your proposals). Submissions that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion will be given special consideration.

Performance Proposals

• Collaboration with other musicians
• Collaboration with composer(s)
• Inclusion of music and / or performers of underrepresented communities and identities
• Music beyond the Euroclassical tradition
• Cross-genre collaborations
• Improvisation of any form

Non-Performance Proposals

• Professional development
• Music and / or performers of underrepresented communities and identities
• Music beyond the Euroclassical tradition
• Collaboration with other musicians
• Collaboration with composer(s)
• Improvisation of any form
• Education and pedagogy
• Entrepreneurship

Each proposal will be evaluated on its adherence to the theme of Better Together before any other aspects are considered, so please be sure your proposal resonates with the theme.

Proposals will be accepted in the following categories.

• Professional
  • Performance
    • Classical Saxophone Large Ensemble (8 or more)*
    • Jazz Saxophone Large Ensemble (8 or more)
    • Classical Saxophone (solo or solo with piano)
    • Jazz Saxophone (solo or solo with rhythm section)
    • Classical Saxophone Chamber (up to 7 performers)
    • Jazz Saxophone Chamber (up to 7 performers)
    • Open Category (beyond classical and jazz)
  • Non-Performance
    • Lectures
    • Workshops
    • Panel Discussions
• Student
  • Performance
    • Classical Saxophone (solo or solo with piano)
    • Jazz Saxophone (solo or solo with rhythm section)
    • Classical Saxophone Chamber (up to 7 performers)
    • Jazz Saxophone Chamber (up to 7 performers)
    • Open Category (beyond classical and jazz)
    • Masterclass Participant
  • Non-Performance
    • Lightning Presentations
    • Poster Sessions
    • Lectures
    • Workshops

* — These do not count toward your total number of proposal submissions

Timeline of Deadlines

• Applications Open
  • September 18, 2022
• Proposals Due
  • November 7, 2022, 11:59 PM EDT
  • December 15, 2022: Applicants notified of conference proposal outcome
• Schedule of Events Published
  • January 2023
• NASA 2023 Biennial Conference
  • Thursday-Sunday, March 30 - April 2, 2023

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

General Application Guidelines

1. The Program Committee only accepts proposals from current members of the North American Saxophone Alliance. You may join NASA or renew your membership if your membership is not current.
   • Professional — US $75
   • Senior — US $60
   • Under 30 — US $50
2. Saxophonists in the Under 30 membership level will have the option to select student or professional proposals.
3. Questions concerning membership status should be directed to .
4. Questions regarding programming should be directed to .
5. Questions regarding performance space, resources, performers, or any other site considerations may be directed to
6. A Saxophone Ensemble with at least two Professional members may apply as a Professional ensemble.
7. Due to space limitations, saxophonists will be allowed a maximum of three presentations. Each NASA member is limited to three total applications, not including Large Saxophone Ensemble proposal, with either of the following options:
   — 2 proposals in any performance categories and 1 proposal in any non-performance category
   OR
   — 1 proposal in any performance category and 2 proposals in any non-performance categories
8. Not all proposals will be accepted. There is finite space/time available and we cannot guarantee that all proposals submitted will be programmed. Please make sure your proposals are well-thought through and follow the conference guidelines to the utmost to be considered fully.
9. Applications must list the names of all collaborating saxophonists. If a member's name appears in a proposal, it will be considered one of their three proposals, regardless of who submits the application.
10. For mixed chamber ensembles, only the saxophonist is required to be a member of NASA.
11. The University of Southern Mississippi will be able to provide some percussion equipment, please look below under Additional Information at the bottom of this page for the list of available equipment.
12. A limited number of bass amps, guitar amps, pianos, and drum sets will be available to request. Your drumset player will be required to bring their own cymbals.
13. An organ will be available upon request.
14. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
15. Photo is required for all applications of everyone on the proposal. See details under the next two sections for more clarification.

All Performance Applications Must Include

1. Justifications for presentation at this conference. It is recommended you have answers to the following questions ready to submit before starting your application. Large Saxophone Ensembles are required to submit only justification a.
   1. How does the proposal relate to and celebrate the conference theme of collaboration and togetherness? — 150 word limit (15 pts.)
   2. How will the proposed activity contribute to the collective advancement of the saxophone and/or saxophone knowledge? Examples might include, but are not limited to, presentation of new music, music by emerging composers, presentation of original research, recently composed music and/or lesser-known works and tunes in any genre. — 150 word limit (15 pts.)
   3. Does the proposal celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion? Special consideration will be given to events that showcase underrepresented communities. — 150 word limit (10 pts.)
   4. If accepted, how will your proposal impact your artistic / professional goals? — 150 word limit (10 pts.)
2. An accurate duration for each proposed work, to aid the programming committee in scheduling sufficient time for each performance. Up to 18 minutes (classical) and 30 mins (jazz, includes set up and tear down) of music may be proposed.
3. Complete title of proposed piece(s), including movement titles, if applicable, as well as date of composition, name of composer, and composer dates. Your application will serve as the source of information for the printed conference program book, so please be sure submitted information is complete and accurate.
4. A recent recording of the applicant performing the proposed work, or a work similar in scope.
5. Biographical information for all performers for the program — 150 word maximum.
6. Biographical information for the composer for the program — 100 word maximum. For Program Committee review only.
7. Small ensembles may also submit an ensemble biography — 150 word maximum.
8. The names of all musicians involved in the proposed performance.
9. A photo for the program. For solo performances — headshot, and for ensemble performances — group photo.

All Non-Performance Applications Must Include

1. Justifications for presentation at this conference. For a list of the justification questions see above in Performance Applications Must Include. See rubric at bottom of page.
2. An abstract of 250 words outlining the presentation.
3. Biographical information for the presenters, maximum 150 words, for the printed program.
4. A photo for the program. Include headshots of all contributing presenters.

Soloist with Wind Ensemble Proposals

Proposals for Soloist with Wind Ensemble and Orchestra will not be accepted at this time. The previously selected soloists from 2022 will be featured in the evening concerts.

Soloist with Jazz Ensemble Proposals

Proposals for Soloist with Jazz Ensemble will not be accepted at this time. The previously selected soloists from 2022 will be featured in the evening concerts.

Large Saxophone Ensemble Performance Proposals

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. Up to 18 minutes of music.
2. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.
3. Proposals for Saxophone Ensembles in this category may be submitted by the ensemble teacher or ensemble leader who is a professional member. They will still be able to submit up to three proposals in all other categories.
4. Does not count towards your 3 total submissions.
5. Please have your answer for the following justification question ready to submit when filling out your application. How does the proposal relate to and celebrate the conference theme of collaboration and togetherness? The other three justification questions will not be required for this category.

Professional Classical Solo, Solo with Piano, and Small Ensemble Performance Proposals

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. Up to 18 minutes of music.
2. Works with electronics will have a scheduled rehearsal time in the hall.
3. NASA Collaborative Pianists are available for a fee. Fees for hiring a NASA pianist are in the range of $175-$250, depending on the difficulty and length of the proposal and the rehearsal time needed on-site at the conference. Questions regarding hiring a staff pianist may be directed to .
   
   If you need to hire a NASA pianist for your proposal, the payment will be due 3 weeks prior to the conference (March 9, 2023). Payment through Venmo is easiest and preferred, but other arrangements can be made if necessary.
   
   If you need to cancel your performance within the 3 weeks leading up to the conference, you will be refunded your collaborative pianist fee minus $100. This is to compensate the pianist for the time they have spent learning your music.
4. For a list of available percussion equipment, please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
5. Proposals with electronics require a complete list of equipment needed. For a list of available equipment, please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
6. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Professional Jazz Solo, Solo with Rhythm Section, and Small Ensemble Proposals

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

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1. Saxophone solo, duo, trio, quartet, saxophone section, and large saxophone ensembles are encouraged to apply.
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2. Groups of all sizes are encouraged to apply.
3. 30-minute time limit including set-up and tear down.
4. A limited number of bass amps, guitar amps, pianos, and drum sets will be available on request. Your drumset player will be required to bring their own cymbals.
5. Proposals with electronics require a complete list of equipment needed. For a list of available equipment please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
6. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Professional Open (beyond classical and jazz)

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. This category is for performance proposals that do not fit into classical or jazz categories.
2. For all other information please refer to guidelines under Professional Classical Solo, Solo with Piano, and Small Ensemble Proposals.

Professional Non-Performance Proposals — Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. Include an abstract of no more than 250 words outlining the presentation. The abstract should accurately reflect the entire content of the presentation (thesis, methods, conclusions.)
2. Lecture proposals should articulate a clear emphasis on scholarly and / or pedagogical topics. Proposals that are primarily performance-based, or designed to promote products, will not be considered.
3. For jazz presentations, proposals must be self-contained and bring their own rhythm sections if needed.
4. For a list of available equipment, please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
5. Presentations and / or Panel Discussions must not exceed 50 minutes (including setup and Q&A.)
6. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Masterclass Presentations

We will not be accepting masterclass presentation proposals at this time. Previously selected masterclasses will be presenting at the 2023 Biennial.

Student Classical Solo, Solo with Piano, and Small Ensemble Proposals

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. 5-15 minutes of music.
2. Students of all ages are welcome to apply.
3. Saxophone ensembles (with performers of all ages) are welcome to apply.
4. Proposals with electronics require a complete list of equipment needed. For a list of available equipment please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
5. NASA Collaborative Pianists are available for a fee. Fees for hiring a NASA pianist are in the range of $175-$250, depending on the difficulty and length of the proposal and the rehearsal time needed on-site at the conference. Questions regarding hiring a staff pianist may be directed to .
   
   If you need to hire a NASA pianist for your proposal, the payment will be due 3 weeks prior to the conference (March 9, 2023). Payment through Venmo is easiest and preferred, but other arrangements can be made if necessary.
   
   If you need to cancel your performance within the 3 weeks leading up to the conference, you will be refunded your collaborative pianist fee minus $100. This is to compensate the pianist for the time they have spent learning your music.
6. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Student Jazz Solo, Solo with Rhythm Section, and Small Ensemble Proposals

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. For performance proposals, students must be enrolled at the undergraduate or graduate level.
2. Groups must be self-contained and bring their own rhythm sections.
3. Combos may not be larger than a sextet (2-3 horns and 3-4 rhythm.)
4. Saxophone solo, duo, trio, quartet, saxophone section, and large saxophone ensembles are encouraged to apply.
5. Proposals with electronics require a complete list of equipment needed. For a list of available equipment please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
6. 30-minute time limit including set-up and teardown.
7. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Student Open (Beyond classical and jazz)

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. This category is for performance proposals that do not fit into classical or jazz categories.
2. For all other information please refer to guidelines under Student Classical Solo, Solo with Piano, and Small Ensemble Proposals.

Student Non-Performance Proposals — Lightning Presentations, Lectures, and Poster Sessions

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

Lightning Presentations — 10 minutes — perfect for younger students or researchers in the early stages of their work.

Lectures — 50 minutes — Students showcasing substantial original research.

Poster Sessions — students of all ages to exhibit their research and engage with individuals on a one-to-one basis. A room will be reserved for the poster sessions where students accompany a poster illustrating their methods and outcomes.

1. High School, Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral Student members of NASA are eligible to apply for Lightning Presentations, Lectures, and Poster Sessions.
2. Proposals should articulate a clear emphasis on scholarly and / or pedagogical topics. Proposals that are primarily performance-based, or designed to promote products, will not be considered.
3. Proposals with electronics require a complete list of equipment needed. For a list of available equipment please see under Additional Information at the bottom of this page.
4. Include an abstract of no more than 250 words outlining the presentation. The abstract should accurately reflect the entire content of the presentation (thesis, methods, conclusions.)
5. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Student Workshops

You must be a NASA member in order to make a submission. Click here to login, or click here to join.

1. Masters and Doctoral Student members of NASA are eligible to apply to teach high school-level student workshops.
2. There will be the following workshops to apply for:
   1. Soprano Saxophone
   2. Alto Saxophone
   3. Tenor Saxophone
   4. Baritone Saxophone
   5. Jazz Saxophone
3. 2-3 applicants will be chosen to teach each of these workshops for high school students.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in the chosen workshop topic is necessary. Include a teaching resume in your application.
5. You must be able to provide your own saxophone for the workshop you are applying to teach. (For example, if you apply to teach the baritone saxophone workshop, you should have your own baritone to bring with you to play.)
6. Proposals must be submitted by November 7, 2022.

Masterclass Participants (more information to come)

1. High School, Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral Student members of NASA are eligible to apply to participate in a masterclass.
2. Proposals must include 1-2 pieces the applicant would like to perform in a masterclass. The Program Committee will make the final selection of repertoire.
3. Applicants must submit a recent live recording of the pieces proposed or repertoire at the same level of difficulty as their proposed pieces.
4. Please stay tuned for more information about masterclasses and how to apply. All the information will be posted and students will be given the opportunity to submit for specific masterclasses.

Rubric

The following rubric will be used to evaluate all proposals.

CONTENT (50 points)	NOT ACCEPTABLE (0)	WEAK (1-4)	ADEQUATE (5-9)	STRONG (10-12)	EXCEPTIONAL (13-15)
Does the proposal relate to and celebrate the conference theme of collaboration and togetherness? (15 pts.)
	NOT ACCEPTABLE (0)	WEAK (1-4)	ADEQUATE (5-9)	STRONG (10-12)	EXCEPTIONAL (13-15)
Will the proposed activity contribute to the collective advancement of the saxophone and/or saxophone knowledge? Examples might include, but are not limited to, presentation of new music, music by emerging composers, presentation of original research, recently composed music and/or lesser-known works and tunes in any genre. (15 pts.)
	NOT ACCEPTABLE (0)	WEAK (1-2)	ADEQUATE (3-5)	STRONG (6-8)	EXCEPTIONAL (9-10)
Does the proposal celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion? Special consideration will be given to events that showcase underrepresented communities. (10 pts.)
	NOT ACCEPTABLE (0)	WEAK (1-2)	ADEQUATE (3-5)	STRONG (6-8)	EXCEPTIONAL (9-10)
Does the applicant make a compelling artistic or professional argument for the value of the proposed activity? (10 pts.)
TOTAL SCORE
OUTCOME OF SCORING	NOT RECOMMENDED		RECOMMENDED AS ALTERNATE		HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

* no penalization for grammar / translations

Additional Information

1. Questions regarding programming should be directed to .
2. Questions regarding performance space, resources, performers, or any other site considerations may be directed to
3. Questions regarding hiring a staff pianist may be directed to the .
4. Percussion equipment you may request to use on-site at the conference: We will do our best to honor these requests but there is no guarantee. List of percussion instruments will be provided here before proposals are due.
5. Electronic equipment you may request to use on-site at the conference:
   Performance
   Stereo PA System (speaker specifics and setup will be posted at a later date)
   Mixer (1/4", XLR, and AUX (1/8") inputs)
   Microphones
   Microphone Stands
   XLR Cables
   1/4" Cables
   1/8" Cables
   Projector
   Projection Screen
   
   Non-Performance
   1 Speaking Microphone
   Projector
   Projection Screen
   A lectern or something with A/V hookups (HDMI and AUX)
   A White Board
   
   Specifics about speaker types/setup, and connections will be posted soon.