Composers attending JCI this summer have composed works for one of the great choruses in the world: VocalEssence with conductor Philip Brunelle. Throughout this site you will see evidence of the conversations and preparations that have been underway to prepare for this outstanding opportunity. Questions like: "How do I compose for voices?" and "How do I pick the 'right' text for a musical setting -- and how do I make the words make sense when they are sung?" "How do you get started?" and "What are the common pitfalls when writing for voices?"

We have been fortunate to have seasoned composers and professional singers join the discussion along with conductor Philip Brunelle. And the conversation has been richer because of the quality of questions from our JCI composers. Visit the three archived conversations in the link, below. 

Read the archives of our online forums about composing for voices

Composers Randall Davidson and Seth Custer and VocalEssence music director Philip Brunelle have participated in live online forums over the last few months discussing how to compose for voices and about specific questions about JCI composers' scores. VocalEssence has created a website resource where you'll find sound clips and scores of exemplary choral music. Forums have been archived and can be found on a link to the left of this article. Previous online conversations were held in March, April, and May.

Please take a tour of the new JCI website

You are invited to register as a Member and you will be given access to our Members section. You can find the registration form here. The Member section is a secure social networking area for JCI composers to share their music, pictures, ideas, and participate in online chats about composing issues. You can become a member by filling out the online application form in the "Apply/Prepare" section.

If you are interested in attending JCI in July 2009, please take a look around and get acquainted with our program. JCI is an intense summer music camp for composers age 14-19 interested in exploring their creativity through music composition and will take place July 5-11, 2009 at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. 

New in 2009: JCI Composition Clinic

This year, Junior Composer Institute launches a new program for private music teachers interested in music composition pedagogy for their students. The JCI Composition Clinic is a one-day workshop on July 11, 2009 that will provide music teachers practical and specific techniques that will be helpful when working with beginning and advanced composition students. Learn more about the JCI Composition Clinic and register for the inaugural year of our new annual program.

JCI 2009 featuring workshops with VocalEssence

JCI 2009 will also feature an opportunity to create a work for our ensemble in-residence, VocalEssence, a professional chorus directed by Philip Brunelle. New works by JCI composers will be given readings during two evening sessions. If you are interested in attending JCI 2009, you are encouraged to click here to listen to and study some of the exemplary choral works selected by Mr. Brunelle. These works can be purchased at the VocalEssence website.

If you want to have a choral work considered for a reading at JCI 2009, you will need to submit the score (email pdf score to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to: 721 SE 6th Street, Minneapolis MN 55414). Scores will be reviewed and selected by Philip Brunelle with support from JCI faculty. DEADLINE: June 1, 2009

Important upcoming dates: click here.