PAS New Music/Research Day 2025 – Percussion & Movement

Call for Proposals

Movement is inextricably linked to what we do as percussionists; after all, it is gesture (usually along with implements and/or instruments) that creates virtually all of a percussionist’s musical sound.  The roots of percussion are also closely aligned with dance and choreographed movement in many cultures around the world, a collaboration that is also frequently undertaken today.  Additionally, there are a number of 20th century and contemporary works that explore movement and visual elements that are ancillary or separate from any gestures necessary for sound production, including works for percussion theater.

This New Music/Research Day topic aims to include (but would certainly not be limited to) the following areas of focus within the realm of Percussion and Movement:

• Works that explore collaborations between percussion and dance;
• Works that highlight cultural and/or historical context of percussion and dance or other movement.  These could be historically accurate, historically informed, and/or reflect current and future trends from a variety of cultures and historical periods;
• Works that explore gesture that is ancillary to sound production in a piece;
• Works that explore gesture that is separate from what is necessary for sound production in a piece;
• Works for percussion theater that include movement as part of a synthesis of theatrical elements;
• Works that are in dance form or are evocative of elements of dance music;
• Works that explore popular and/or commercial music genres and their relationship to dance and other forms of movement;
• Presentation/discussion of research that explores the relationship between percussion and movement.

Proposals can be for single pieces performed on curated concerts, full-length programs by one or multiple performers that explore percussion and movement through one or more works, panel discussions that explore an aspect of percussion and movement, presentations or demonstrations of research on an aspect of percussion and movement, or other ideas that could fit within the time and space constraints of New Music/Research Day.

Through the theme of “Percussion & Movement,” the New Music/Research Committee aims to feature and celebrate a diverse range of repertoire and projects that explore the relationship between percussion and movement in a variety of ways.  Submissions from people of all genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, backgrounds, and stages of study or career are welcome, and submissions from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are particularly encouraged.

Proposals should clearly describe how the work in question relates to the overall New Music/Research Presents theme. All proposals that meet the criteria and qualify for inclusion on New Music/Research Presents performances will be given complete and careful consideration. Please note that all expenses, as well as the securing of instruments and funding sources, will be the sole responsibility of the artist(s) themselves. This includes all logistical and financial considerations associated with the performance. Please prepare and submit your proposal with these considerations in mind.

Focus Day Hosts: Karlyn Viña, Alexandros Fragistakos, and Mika Godbole.

Questions can be directed to NewMusicResearch2025@gmail.com.