Call for Band Leader/Music Director NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program in Canoga Park

NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program in Canoga Park Issued by the Performing Arts Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of Los Angeles (“DCA|PERF”). I. Introduction The Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of Los Angeles (“DCA”) seeks to enter into a non-exclusive, project-based agreement with one (1) band leader and/or music director, who is a part of an existing ten (10) piece professional band and is capable and eager to mentor and teach ten (10) teen musicians between the ages of fourteen and nineteen.  He or she would teach the band’s music and facilitate a full-length performance opportunity with the professional band and the teens.  Music must be suitable for the public and varied age ranges. II. The Division DCA|PERF serves as the heart of the City’s support of live dance, music, theater, and digital media platforms, offering Angelenos low-cost rental opportunities at six professional, DCA-managed, performing arts centers and two public/private partnership theaters.  At the core of its mission, DCA|PERF also produces world-class programming locally, providing catalysts for economic development, community engagement, and civic education and pride. When producing its programming, DCA|PERF uses independent, peer-review panels to select artists who respond to calls, and who create and present programming across the City. DCA|PERF’s community-focused programming shapes attitudes, counters cultural stereotypes, and inspires creativity. Both DCA|PERF’s programming and rentals at its performing arts centers play an essential role in stabilizing LA’s artistic ecosystem and nurturing the revitalization of our City’s creative communities. III. The Program NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program in Canoga Park In 2022, the Department of Cultural Affairs Performing Arts Division (DCA|PERF) launched Soul of Music dedicated to the professional development of teens and continued to grow for three years.  After a brief hiatus, we bring back this program with a new name: NextNote Pathways. It continues in 2026 as an immersive initiative designed for teen musicians who are exploring the possibility of a professional career in music, while moving more youth forward for 2027. The program continues to provide real-world, hands-on experience that bridges the critical gap between being a student musician and entering the music industry—an opportunity that many young artists lack before graduation. During this intensive one-week program, interns participate in band rehearsals for three hours daily Monday through Friday in a professional setting, working alongside experienced musicians. The week culminates in a live performance with a working band, giving teens firsthand exposure to industry standards, expectations, and collaborative performance dynamics. When the program first began, it was open only to brass musicians.  It has expanded to include Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Vocals , reflecting the diverse skill sets required in today’s music industry. The program accepts only ten (10) interns, ensuring focused mentorship and meaningful ensemble experience. Applicants must be available Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., for one (1) week in June or July (dates TBD), as well as for the culminating Sunday evening performance. The program is open to intermediate to advanced youth musicians . NextNote Pathways is vital because access to arts education and professional mentorship during adolescence has been shown to improve academic engagement, build confidence, and strengthen career readiness skills such as teamwork, discipline, and creative problem-solving. By offering authentic performance opportunities and direct exposure to working musicians, NextNote Pathways helps demystify the music industry while empowering young artists to envision viable futures in the arts. The daily rehearsals, live performance, and camaraderie of a band create a holistic artistic experience—one that celebrates Canoga Park’s rich cultural and historical fabric while investing in and elevating the next generation of musicians and music professionals. IV. The Scope of Services NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program The Department of Cultural Affairs, Performing Arts Division (DCA | PERF), seeks one (1) experienced and visionary Band Leader/Music Director who is part of a ten (10) piece band to lead a week-long Teen Musician Internship Program. The selected artist will integrate their existing professional band with ten (10) teen musician interns, culminating in a public concert following five (5) days of intensive rehearsals. The commissioned artist will design and facilitate an immersive, professional-level music experience that emphasizes mentorship, musical development, ensemble collaboration, and preparation for live performance. Applicants must demonstrate proven experience working with teenage musicians, particularly in collaborative, educational, or professional music environments. DCA | PERF invites community-based artists, educators, and music industry professionals who are passionate about cultivating emerging talent to apply. This program combines professional band rehearsals, skills training, and live performance practices to foster confidence, discipline, and a clear pathway toward continued participation in the music industry. The selected band leader/music director will be responsible for overall creative direction of the performance; band-related logistical planning; coordination with DCA | PERF on promotional efforts; and on-site execution of the culminating performance. The awarded band leader/music director is responsible for the following (including, but not limited to): Provide a BTRC (City of LA Business Tax Registration Certificate). This requires an online registration process, if applicant does not already have one. Submit relevant payment documentation—including a W-9, electronic payment paperwork, Waiver & Indemnity Form, Scope of Work Invoice, and any other required paperwork expediently. Submit a Promotional Photo , preferably with the artist and their instrument, and a  Bio (100 words or fewer) by April 6, 2026. Lead and facilitate five (5) band rehearsals with teens for three (3) hours daily Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the same week but prior to the culminating weekend performance. Provide mentorship and knowledge to teens, .to assist in their development as a musician and preparing them for the environment of working musicians. Plan and facilitate a concert gig in collaboration with DCA|PERF, which includes but is not limited to creating the play list, handling logistics for the band, preparing the band for what to anticipate when the teen interns join in on designated songs, and preparing the teens for sound check and performance expectations. Obtain any necessary permissions for songs not written by the awardee.  This is only applicable if band performs existing songs.  Obtaining these permissions, if necessary, is the responsibility of the awardee and do no need to be submitted to DCA representative. Plan and provide a professional experience for Audiences. This includes, but is not limited to, providing a band promotion/info table and merchandise sales for the band with at least one person to run it during the performance. Work collaboratively with Madrid Theatre staff and technical crew to define and oversee staging needs . Actively promote of NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program and concert, including social media, flyer distribution, and community outreach. Collect relevant documentation —including the withholding, filing, and depositing of state income and employment taxes as applicable plus issuing of necessary year-end tax documents to artists and vendors, including 1099s as applicable—and issue payments to temporarily commissioned artists and vendors involved in this project. Maintain Records and Submit contracts, invoices, receipts, etc. to DCA|PERF at the completion of the project to close out and receive final payment. Artist must be able to manage budgets, meet deadlines, collaborate with City staff and local partners, and produce safe, inclusive, and culturally resonant public programs. V. Fees For the completion of the above services DCA|PERF will pay the all-inclusive commission listed below. NextNote Pathways: Teen Musician Internship Program in Canoga Park ($14,800) a week-long summer afternoon intensive for teen musicians to experience the professional world of music filled with expectations, rehearsals, and a culminating performance in a concert with a professional band all to bridge the gap between student musicians and those working in the music industry. Budget for project is as follows: $10,000.00 – Band/Band Leader/Music Director $  2,000.00 – 10 Teen Musician Interns $  1,500.00 – Audio Equipment Rental/Venue $  1,000.00 – Photography/Video $     300.00 – Peer Review Panelist $14,800.00 The City of Los Angeles does not front-fund projects. Payments will be made when the Artist meets deliverable benchmarks. The final payment will be made after the completion of the project, the Band Leader/Music Director meets all necessary criteria, and may take up to four (4) months to be fully disbursed. VI. Application Process Recipients of 2025-2026 Grants from DCA are not eligible to respond to this call. Only one application may be submitted per Band Leader/Music Director. Proposals must include a detailed description of a proposed plan of action.  All entertainment and playlists must be suitable for audiences of all ages. Video samples such as B-roll and/or still photographs from previous, similar events may be attached to submitted proposals. A complete application consists of answering all the questions below and submitting the required documentation to dca-madridtheatre@lacity.org by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 . The subject line should read NextNote Pathways. Response proposals must include the following [Rating value]: Contact information for the primary contact; A 100-word introduction to the band leader/music director and their band; [10 points] A 100-word description of the proposed internship program, the artistry/music style to be provided to the participants and audience members, and why this program matters to the applicant and their band; [15 points] Video submission, in digital formats or web links, demonstrating the band’s current style and sound; [15 points] Examples of relevant past projects and examples of prior work and pertinent materials in digital formats or web links. [10 points] The highest total score that can be reached by peer-panel review is 50 points. VII. Selection Criteria and Process DCA|PERF will review submitted proposals for completeness and qualifications. Selection for a contract award will be made based on meeting the following criteria: • Responsiveness to the specifics of this call; • Expertise and experience of Artists and/or firm(s) in providing similar services; • Creativity and innovation of past work history. DCA|PERF is seeking a Band Leader/Music Director with a history of providing authentic community-based work within the City of Los Angeles whenever possible. DCA|PERF also encourages the submission of proposals from underserved and/or underrepresented artists or firms owned by minorities, women, immigrants, and veterans. DCA|PERF does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration of these commissions. The City of Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. VIII. The Fine Print The following terms and conditions apply to all responses to this call: 1. DCA|PERF reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted; to select one or more responding parties; to void this call and the review process and/or terminate negotiations at any time; to select separate responding parties for various components of the scope of services; to select a final/parties from among the proposals received in response to this call. Additionally, any project elements, requirements, and schedules are subject to change and modification. DCA|PERF also reserves the unqualified right to modify, suspend, or terminate at its sole discretion any aspects of this selection process, to obtain further information from any responding parties, and to waive any defects as to the form or content of this call or any responses by any party; 2. This call does not commit DCA|PERF to award a contract, to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a response, or to contract for any services. All submitted responses become the property of DCA|PERF as public records. All proposals may be subject to public review, upon request, unless exempted as discussed elsewhere in this call; 3. By accepting this call and/or submitting a proposal in response thereto, each responding party agrees for itself, its successors, and assigns, to hold DCA|PERF and its affiliated entities, the City of Los Angeles, and all of their various agents, commissioners, directors, consultants, attorneys, officers and employees harmless from and against any claims and demands of whatever nature or type, which any such responding company, its representatives, agents, contractors, successors or assigns may have against any of them as a result of issuing or revising this call, conducting the selection process and subsequent negotiations, making a final recommendation, selecting a responding party/parties or negotiating or executing an agreement incorporating the commitments of the selected responding party; 4. By submitting responses, each responding party acknowledges having read this Fine Print in its entirety and agrees to all terms and conditions set therein; 5. Responses shall be open and valid for a period of three (3) weeks from the due date. IX.  Schedule Call Issued Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Deadline for Submissions Sunday, March 4, 2026 Selection of Artist / Contract Awarded Monday, March 23, 2026 Mandatory Awardee virtual meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. Term of Contract Begins Monday, May 11, 2026 Term of Contract Ends Friday, July 31, 2026 Proposals must be received no later than 11.59pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 . DCA|PERF is not obligated to consider proposals received after this date and time.