Billy Strayhorn Commissions Premiered

New works by Rufus Reid and Oscar Perez are performed at the 2007 IAJE Conference

Two jazz works, commissioned by ASCAP in memory of Billy Strayhorn, were premiered on January 11 during the Opening General Session at the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) Conference held at the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom in New York City.

Rufus Reid, composer, bassist and music educator, was recognized in the Established Composer category for Hues Of A Different Blue, performed by the Project Uprising Big Band under the direction of Reid, and Oscar Perez, composer and pianist, was recognized in the Emerging Composer category for Letter To A Friend, performed by the Oscar Perez Septet. The composers were awarded $7,500 and $3,000, respectively, as well as monies to prepare the materials for performance.

Reid and Perez were introduced to the audience of educators, musicians, industry executives, media and students by ASCAP Vice President Fran Richard who commented: "This is the 10th year that the ASCAP/IAJE Commissions program has celebrated an ASCAP jazz icon by commissioning two jazz works in their honor. Prior programs have honored Marian McPartland, Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Ornette Coleman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones and Dr. Billy Taylor."