Call for scores: International composition competition in the US

The purpose of the competition is to encourage the creation of new works for Wind Ensemble, and additional consideration will be given to works that are not overtly virtuosic in nature.

There is no entry fee for the scores and composers of all ages can submit all compositions via email to ambclarinet@gmail.com. The following information should be included in the body of the email:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Title of composition

Participants should attach a midi rendering of their composition and a PDF copy of the score. The competition prizes are worth $5 000 in total.

The submission deadline is 31 May.

Rules and guidelines

• Submitted works must not yet have received a public performance.

• The Valley Winds will have world-premiere rights for all submitted works through the conclusion of this competition. Premiere rights for all non-awarded works will be released back to the composer on 1 August 2021.
• The Valley Winds will have premiere recording rights for all prize-winning compositions.
• Compositions shall not exceed ten minutes in length. There is no minimum length requirement.
• Determinations of the evaluation panel are final.

Composers must submit the following by the application deadline:

• A digitally-rendered, transposed full score. Use of notation software is required.
• A midi rendering of the selection.

The work must include the following parts (* indicates parts that are likely to be doubled)

• Piccolo: One
• Flute*: First and second
• Oboe: First and second
• English horn (optional)
• Bassoon: First and second
• Eb clarinet (optional)
• Bb clarinet*: First, second and third
• Bass clarinet: One
• Soprano saxophone (optional)
• Alto saxophone: One if using soprano sax, two if not using soprano sax
• Tenor saxophone: One
• Baritone saxophone: One
• Bb trumpet/ cornet*: Three to six independent parts
• French horn in F: First, second, third, and fourth
• Tenor trombone: First and second (optional third)
• Bass trombone: One if using two tenor trombones, none if using three tenor trombones
• Euphonium*: One
• Tuba*: One
• String bass: One
• Percussion: up to five players including timpani (optional): Percussion parts may include more than one instrument, but each part must be logistically and musically played by one player. All standard battery, mallet, and auxiliary percussion instruments are acceptable.

All questions about this competition should be directed to The Valley Winds president Tony Brackett via email at: ambclarinet@gmail.com.

View the original call here.