Joseph Herbst Triumphs at 34th Annual BMI Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase

BMI’s 34th Annual Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase, held at Symphony Space in New York City on June 20th, featured the best new big band and jazz orchestra compositions created in the workshop during the 2022-2023 season. The evening was hosted by Musical Director Andy Farber and Assistant Musical Director Alan Ferber and judged by a panel of esteemed jazz musicians and composers: Ingrid Jensen, Geoffrey Keezer and Elio Villafranca.

The BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra performed eight works, including “Doo-Dah Day” by Ann Belmont, “Bob” by Sam Blakeslee, “The Glory” by Patrick Cornelius, “One Train” by Ethan Helm, “Waltzing with Dad” by Hey Seon Hong, “Better Mood Machine” by Joey Kendrick and “Sunnyside” by Mike Malone.

After an evening of incredible performances, Joseph Herbst’s “Where My Dreams Go To Die” was chosen as the winning piece by the judges. In addition to receiving the prestigious Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, the BMI Foundation also awarded Herbst the $3,000 Manny Albam commission—named in memory of the workshop’s late founder and longtime music director—to compose a new piece that will premiere at next year’s showcase.

The evening concluded with 2022 prize recipient Helen Sung debuting her commissioned composition, “A Little Bird Watchin’.”