Rejection Ritual: Year Seven Complete

It's that time of year again, when the Maryland State Arts Council's "Individual Artist Awards" are announced. The award comes with money, from $1,000 to $6,000. One of the few sources of unencumbered support for artists - there's no project that has to be done, no community outreach, nothing. Just an award in recognition of your previous work. It also happens to be the only source of funding for artists (as opposed to arts-organizations) from the state.

Every year I apply (since 2001) and every year I am rejected. This year's music category is "Solo Instrumental Performance." Next year will likely be composition - they alternate yearly. Every summer I submit my application and every January I get my rejection letter. I have quite a collection of rejection letters now. If only I could find some way of monetizing my collection ;-)

In other news, I'm in the process of mailing out copies of our new DCIC album, "Triangulation." We're working with a publicist who put together a list for us of around 150 freelancers and publications. Hopefully we get some nice things written about the new record... The official release date is April 1. We're doing a local release show on March 22nd (opening for Steve Lehman at Velvet Lounge).

Low End String Quartet article published

I was invited to write an article for "Bourgeon: Journal of Dance," a local publication covering the dance scene, for the most part. I'm not sure when the print version hits the streets, but it's online now. I wrote about the Low End String Quartet, specifically why I started the group.