Bass Players for Black Composers (BPBC) is a collective of bassists, composers, musicians and patrons focused on creating new solo repertoire written for bass by Black composers.
Established in June 2020, BPBC encourages the expansion of solo repertoire for bass and the promotion of works by Black composers through commissioning diverse artists in all stages of their careers, disseminating works, facilitating performances, and producing educational programs.
Our Concert Model:
BPBC seeks to not only share the works of commissioned composers, but to amplify and compensate BIPOC bassists. BPBC affiliated concerts feature players of all kinds: white players are expected to volunteer their time and playing. BIPOC players are compensated on a sliding scale depending on how many pieces and workshops they are contracted to participate in.
We are able to compensate composers $750 for a full-length work and $100 for a workshop with the contracted player, totaling $850.***
BIPOC players receive $150 to perform one work, and $100 per additional work, up to four pieces. Should a workshop be contracted, an additional $100 will be provided. ***
***should these amounts not be sufficient due to the context of the contracted parties, additional funds will be paid to the performer and composer on a case-by-case basis.