The 8bb Controversy

(Current photo of 8bb)

A few days ago, eighth blackbird announced their first-ever Composition Competition. (They seemed pretty excited about it.) If chosen the winner, you receive:

• $1000 cash

• A day to work with eighth blackbird on the piece you submitted

• A performance at a Chicago studio concert

• A recording for website or promotional use (yes, this means you CAN use this on your personal website) AND

• $500 travel & lodging reimbursement

All in all, not bad. Supposedly, there is one catch: you must pay a $50 application fee.

This has sparked a bit of controversy because, well, I suppose composers don't like spending money if they don't have to. We can be a cheap bunch.

Frankly, comparing this practice of charging an application fee to extortion is a bit extreme. I believe there are reasons why 8bb is charging $50/score submitted. According to Chris Richardson, here are the reasons.

Thanks all for your many thought provoking comments. As the administrative director for eighth blackbird, I take fu…