ATSSB Composition Competition
sponsored by the Association of Texas Small School Bands
The purpose of the Composition Competition is to promote quality compositions written for small school bands.
Eligibility
This contest is an equal opportunity for all composers regardless of gender, culture, color, national origin, race, ethnicity or religious belief.
Scope
Submissions must be original unpublished compositions or concert marches, not for sale or rental from a publisher composed for Levels 1, 2 or 3 as exemplified by pieces currently on the Texas University Interscholastic League Prescribed Music List. There is no limit to the number of movements, nor style. Instrumentation shall conform to that of pieces currently on the UIL Prescribed Music List for concert band.
Sequence
Every two years beginning in 2009.
Award
There may only be one winner with as many honorable mentions as the committee recommends. The winning composition will be guaranteed publication by TRN Music Publisher, Inc. in 2010 and will be premiered by the 2010 ATSSB All-State Concert Band; a letter of endorsement from ATSSB will be sent to the UIL Prescribed Music Committee. Honorable mentions will receive a letter of endorsement from ATSSB to publishers of the composer's choice for publication. If the committee determines that no submission is meritorious, no winner will be selected, although honorable mentions may be given.
Oversight
A Composition Competition Coordinator will be appointed to chair a committee which shall administer all aspects of the competition. The Coordinator as well as the competition shall be overseen by and reported to the ATSSB Executive Secretary and the ATSSB State Board of Directors.
Procedures
- A composer may submit more than one entry.
- Compositions transmitted via fax will not be accepted.
- Compositions shall be submitted by July 15, 2008, with 5 full scores and 5 recordings of the highest possible quality using the specific instrumentation indicated in the score.
- Live recordings are preferred, but synthesized recordings are acceptable.
- If more than 20 compositions are received, the composition committee will pick the top 20 entries at TBA to send to the adjudication panel.
- The composer's name may not appear on the score or recording.
- The composer's name may be on the shipping package containing the score, parts and recordings, but any contents with the composer's name will not be accepted for evaluation.
- A sealed envelope containing the completed entry form which has the composer's name and contact information should be fastened securely to the inside cover of the score. The recording should be identified by title only.
- Entrants are advised to send all entries by registered or insured mail only.
- The committee will exercise due care for the safety of the submitted manuscripts and recordings but cannot assume the responsibility for losses that occur during transit.
- Composers must include return postage and a self-addressed mailing label with their submission(s) if they desire the return of their materials.
Adjudication
An adjudication panel of 5 judges will evaluate the submissions and select one winner and as many honorable mentions as are deserving. The panel shall include 3 current ATSSB Active Members and 2 people selected from the composition field and/or from people promoting compositions at these levels. If the committee determines that no submission is meritorious, no winner will be selected, although honorable mentions may be given.
Results
The Winner will be announced at the ATSSB General Session held at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in February after the entry deadline. Composers will be notified of the judges' decision following the public announcement. The decision of the composition committee will be final and no correspondence may be entered into regarding the award. All performance, copyright, and royalty rights remain with the composer. ATSSB reserves premier performance privileges by the 2010 ATSSB Concert Band (and in subsequent even years with ensuing winning compositions), although the published version may be made available for sale at the TMEA convention-clinic in the year of the premier. The winning composer will be required to submit by December 1, 2009, a full set of parts suitable for photocopying for use in the premier of the work.
Frequency
A composer may win the contest any number of times.