The recent ITEC (International Tuba and
Euphonium Congress) was an amazing event, it’s impressive to recall the great
playing, presentations, ensembles, friendships and just the fact that there were
850 participants from all over the world; that it was an unforgettable event is
an understatement. There is, however, one event that may very well be remembered
as the most significant in that one-week of continuous tuba/euphonium
presentations.
At the official ITEC dinner, Composer/tubist Jim Self announced the formation of the Jim and
Jamie Self Creative award. This is a monumental new item in the
Tuba/Euphonium community; the following is the introduction of this award in
Jim Self’s words: “For several years I would call up one of my
college professor friends and ask if they had a particularly talented and
creative student. If so I would award a $500 scholarship to that student. But
it was random and tedious--(plus every college that got a scholarship still
hits me up for money--probably forever--what a drag!). I wanted to formalize
it, internationalize it and make it have longevity beyond my years. So we set
up a $25,000 endowment fund through ITEA to administer it--in perpetuity. The
endowed principal is never to be used for the award and others can contribute
to it--so hopefully it will grow.”
This award is a huge step in perpetuation of
the frequently stated fact that there has never been anything in music history
like the growth of the tuba through the last 100 years. More importantly, it’s
an insurance policy that we will never become complacent in the wake of our
amazing evolution.
Jim also points out “It’s difficult to define creativity”. This is where this award
becomes most interesting. The purpose is
to encourage creative projects in the tuba/euphonium world and to think "outside
of the box". Thinking outside of the box has been our
specialty and the energy source through our amazing growth period.
Choosing a
winner for this award will be a rewarding and challenging job; ‘outside of the
box’ opens unlimited possibilities. The first award of $1500 was given to
Norwegian tubist, Kristoffer Lo for his Ryvingen Lighthouse Recording
Project--where he is taking modern computer and electronic effects on the tuba
to new places.
This
does not mean that it will be an award for electronic music; it only means
something in a new direction, which opens a huge vista of possibilities.
Thank you Jim
for creating this award. Just the fact that such a thought expander exists will
expand the vision of the contestants, the ITEA (International Tuba Euphonium
Association) judges who will choose a winner and the entire international
community. We all will benefit from this new visionary award.
Roger Bobo, July
24, 2015, Carlsbad, California
