This composition contest is intended for young composers who are writing music for concert band. There are over a thousand community bands in the United States and more across the globe who are performing concert band music. These ensembles play music from across the spectrum – show tunes, patriotic selections, marches, transcriptions, new works for band. These bands are looking for new music that fits a more traditional style of concert band literature that audiences will enjoy. Composers should keep this audience in mind for their submission to this contest.
Monetary Prize of $2000
Eligibility:
Composers under 30 years of age on submission deadline date.
Composers must not be contractually obligated as an employee or under contract to any publisher or publishers.
Composers who self publish their music are welcome to submit to the contest. The submitted piece cannot be for sale until after the results of the contest have been made known.
Guidelines
A 3 – 5 minute duration piece of original composition for concert band at a grade level of roughly grade 4.
Submissions must not have been previously published.
Submissions must have been written within the past 18 months.
Submissions must not have been previously performed in a public venue.
Only one submission per composer will be accepted.
Suggested Instrumentation:
C Piccolo; 1st & 2nd Flute; Oboe; Bassoon;1st, 2nd, & 3rd Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; 1st & 2nd Alto Saxophone; Tenor Saxophone; Baritone Saxophone; 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Trumpet; 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Horn; 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Trombone; Euphonium (BC/TC); Tuba; Mallet Percussion; Timpani & Percussion (expanded) Optional: Eb Clarinet, 2nd Oboe, 2nd Bassoon, Contrabass Clarinet, Piano
Special Considerations: Extensive cross-cueing (always on solos for Horn, Bassoon, Oboe, Bass Clarinet); composers are encouraged to use expanded percussion, particularly mallet and accessory instruments. Plan for maximum of five percussionists.
Submission Period is between August 1, 2021 and June 15, 2022
Full Details and submission form at https://www.acbands.org/composition-contest
Any questions can be sent to acbcontest@gmail.com
Deadline 15 January 2022
Website acbands.org
