CODA Composition Consortium
CODA is proud to launch the CODA Composition Consortium that aims to highlight historically underrepresented composer voices, to bring new repertoire to the string education field. Through this project, CODA will commission a string orchestra piece (Grade 3) to be premiered at the California All State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) in 2025 by the All State Junior High School String Orchestra. The composer will collaborate directly with All-State students during CASMEC, and consortium members will have the opportunity to engage with the composer at the conference and see the rehearsal process. Orchestra directors in California and beyond can join the consortium through a $150 buy-in, which includes access to score and parts by CASMEC 2025, the rights to perform the piece following the conference. Consortium members will also have their name (program & director) listed in the score.
For its first iteration, CODA is excited to partner with composer Charley Harrison for its inaugural commission at CASMEC 2025. This composition will include components of jazz, written for the Grade 3 String Orchestra setting. 
Charley Harrison, a versatile figure in the jazz world, has led the UCLA Jazz Orchestra since 2004 and became the Inaugural Conductor and Artistic Director of the Hollywood Jazz Orchestra in 2023. With experience writing for and working with youth string orchestras, we are thrilled to work with him in our first CODA Composition Consortium project.