Contest Guidelines

Eligibility

  1. Entrants must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years at the time of submission.
  2. Entrants must be USA residents.

Compositions

  1. Participation and entry are free!
  2. Entrants must submit either a full orchestra or a chamber ensemble composition.
  3. Entrants may only submit one composition.
  4. Compositions must be composed solely by the entrant.
  5. The composition may not exceed 5 minutes in length.
  6. Standard instrumentation for orchestral compositions is:

       Flutes 1&2, Oboes 1&2, Clarinets 1&2, Bassoons 1&2
       French Horns 1,2,3,4, Trumpets 1&2, Trombones 1&2
       Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussionists 1&2, Harp
       1st Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses.

       (Flute 1 may double on Piccolo. Oboe 1 may double on English Horn.)
  7. Chamber ensemble compositions may be written for from 2 to 6 instruments selected from the following list (not to exceed the numbers in parentheses):

       Flute/Piccolo (2), Oboe/English Horn (2), Clarinet (2), Bassoon (2)
       French Horn (4), Trumpet (2), Trombone (3), Tuba (1)
       Violin (6), Viola (4), Cello (4), Bass (2), Piano (1), Harp (1)
       Percussionists (3)
  8. A composition that includes copyrighted text must include a written statement from the copyright holder giving permission to use the text. If the text is in the public domain, a signed statement including this fact must accompany the score.

Submitting Compositions

  1. Submit two copies of the original score.
       Scores should be labeled with composer's name, age, and school.
       Do not submit the original. Computer-generated scores are preferred.
       Handwritten scores are acceptable but they must be clearly legible.
       All scores should be no larger than 11x17 inches, bound. (e.g. spiral,
       staple, etc.) No changes may be made to the manuscript once it has been
       submitted.
  2. Submit a CD with a MIDI sound file of the composition in WAV, MP3, or AIFF format.
       Alternatively, an audio recording played on piano, etc. may be submitted.
       CD should be labeled with the composition title and composer's name.
  3. Send compositions with an entry cover letter (PDF) to:
            Young Composers Challenge
            PO Box 1689
            Winter Park, Fl 32790-1689
  4. Submission materials will not be returned except by special arrangement.
  5. Participants must submit their full packet by August 1, 2010.

Judging

  1. A panel of four professionals will choose the six finalists.
  2. Scores will be judged based upon artistic quality, and skill in orchestration, notation, and scoring.
  3. Finalists will receive written comment-sheets from the judges.

Finalists

  1. Three orchestral composers will be chosen as finalists. Each full-orchestra piece will be performed by the Orlando Philharmonic, and each orchestral finalist will receive $1000.
  2. Three chamber ensemble composers will also be chosen as finalists. Each ensemble piece will be performed by the Orlando Philharmonic, and each ensemble finalist will receive $500.
  3. Finalists will be notified by August 23, 2010.
  4. Finalists must provide one copy of each individual instrument part.
       The Orlando Philharmonic will make photo-copies of each part, if
       necessary. Scores and parts must include measure numbers and
       rehearsal letters. Do not combine two different instruments (such as
       Trumpet 1 and Trumpet 2) on a single part.
  5. Each finalist will receive a professional recording of the concert.
  6. Each finalist must be present at the October 10th concert in order to receive the prize money.
  7. Each finalist must provide his/her own transportation and lodging for the concert.