Career Development Grant

To showcase the abundance and diversity of musical talents in the Northland. I am driven to propel these carefully crafted compositions into quality works of art. I aim to invigorate the average consumer of music in Duluth to re-imagine the four piece band, and to broaden their taste for artfully crafted/ complicated compositions. I will create a record of such quality that it can be used as a model for other groups in the Northland. I will complete this project in three months: dedicating myself and managing the project to ensure its success. I will employ musicians’ talents respectfully while challenging them to innovate and push the envelope. I will stay strict to my budget and use additional funds for duplication. I will use the skills I learn to create continued works and other projects as well as propel my career as a composer. I will know I am successful at showcasing the abundance and diversity of musical talents in the Northland when I am collaborating with: Randy Lee (Big Time Jazz Band), Dave Butimer (Big Time Jazz Band), Al Sparhawk (Low), Paul Broman (Sweat Equity), Bryce Kastining (Nur Jehan Chishti), Matt Wasmund (Big Wave Dave and the Ripples), Jerree Small (Southwire), Matt Lateral (Zoo Animal), Matt Mobley (Coyote), Jeremy Ehlert (Low Forms), Charlotte Montgomery (Clover Street Cronies), Cory Coffman (Phillip of Nazereth), Grace Holden (Lizzo). I will know these compositions have been fully transformed into quality works of art by employing professionals to take care while tracking and producing them. To ensure that I am successful at finishing this project in my proposed timeline, I will work and plan diligently before recording. Compositions and recording techniques will be prepared before working with Bryce using demos created by me. This technique of using demos and composition planning will ensure the most efficient use of the recording engineer's time and ability, in turn maximizing the potential of our Arrowhead Regional Arts Council funded budget. As well as proper planning before, I will have a manageable fixed schedule with room for the flux of so many artists' schedules. I will be successful in staying to my budget by properly communicating contractual payment and scheduled time with all whose talents I employ.