Being a part of ASMAC.

“American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers”

The year was 1938 when a group of practicing composers and arrangers writing music for movies decided to join together in order to promote their art form, get proper recognition for their work, better working conditions, proper compensation and in some instance even parking privileges. One of the main goals for this new organization was to get royalties for their orchestrations, which is still an issue in 2013.

The first president of the organization was the great American arranger and composer 

Robert Russell Bennett, best known for his orchestrations of many well-known Broadway and Hollywood musicals.  Today this organization has grown to over 500 members who are active in the preparation of music for movies, theatre, recording, television and live performances.

The board of directors hosts a list of the most influential leaders in the arranging/composing industry. There is also an advisory board with members such as Alan & Marilyn Bergman, John Clayton, 

Bill Conti, and Quincy Jones.

The organization also sponsors monthly information lunches, seminars and master classes, and workshops designed to support long term members, students, and young professionals looking to become composers or arrangers.

The ASMAC is just the organization that Big Grin Music will be associated with. Big Grin Music’s goal is to prepare music for community performers, semi-professional, and professional performers to perform with live musicians. The live music industry survives on the music created by the ASMAC, and Big Grin Music can only grow by being a part of this organization.

Two of the major programs ASMAC supports are a scholarship competition for young arrangers/composers under the age of 30. This big band arranging and composition competition in sponsored by film music composer Bill Conti. The second is a Chamber Music Composition competition. These competitions are invaluable resources for the development and recognition of new talent. At the same time, it is a good tool for recruitment into the organization.

Another recruitment tool is the blog that ASMAC carries on their site. This blog is used to promote the professional careers of many arrangers/composers. It is also used as a sounding board for issues that affect the live music industry. There is a big chance that will find info on your favorite arranger/composer when you visit this site.