Paper Woman

From the composer:
"Paper Woman is a structured improvisation in five movements, and may be played by any solo instrument. The pitch material is determined by the performer based on instructional/poetic texts for each movement:
1. Jazzwoman
2. Sidewoman
3. Reedwoman
4. Frontwoman
5. Paper Woman

In creating Paper Woman, I was thinking about the history of jazz, the relative scarcity of women improvisers and composers, and the hesitancy of many performers to approach improvisation if they have not been steeped in the jazz tradition. The idea was that the piece could serve as an entry point to improvisation for those who may feel intimidated by it, but also as a flexible and interesting framework for experienced improvisers to explore. The texts of the movements may be interpreted however the player or listener desires, but to me they abstractly reference concepts such as imposter syndrome, motherhood, our innate ability to improvise, the false sanctity of classical music, female strength/fragility, and the lack of women composers in jazz fake books. Out of a combination of these associations, my work with experimental improvisation on the clarinet, and my love for the instruction pieces of Yoko Ono and Pauline Oliveros, Paper Woman was born.

This score may be reproduced and distributed to the audience at any performance, but Paper Woman exists only on paper and may not be scanned or reproduced electronically. If you plan to perform Paper Woman, please purchase your own copy."

Notes from the score:
"In jazz slang, a “paper man” was someone who could not improvise. A player could also be called a “jazzman,” “frontman,” “sideman,” or “reedman.” The inversion of this language is presented here for contemplation.

The instructions provide guidelines for improvisation and can be interpreted as desired.

The blank staves may be used to outline pitch material.

This work is designed to be performed by those who have forgotten they can improvise, as well as those who remember well."