Community college invites entries for composition competition

March 27, 2018

The composer of an original piece of music is set to receive a $1,000 prize in the Anoka-Ramsey Community College First Annual Composition Competition, now open for submission. In partnership with the Music Department, the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Art Committee invites all composers, regardless of age or country of origin, to compose a musical piece and compete for the award.

The competition guidelines call for entries that are of moderate difficulty, appropriate for fourth or fifth grade, and the composition should be three to five minutes in duration. Written for concert band or string orchestra, the suggested instrumentation includes: 1st and 2nd Flute (optional piccolo); Oboe; Bassoon; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; 1st and 2nd Alto Saxophone; Tenor Saxophone; Baritone Saxophone; 1st, 2nd & 3rd Trumpet; 1st, 2nd (optional 3^rd and 4^th) Horn; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Trombone; Euphonium (BC/TC ?); Tuba; Mallet Percussion; Timpani and Percussion (expanded*). Optional: Piano 1st  & 2nd^,  Violins, Violas, Cellos, and String Basses.

Composers are encouraged to use expanded percussion, particularly mallet and accessory instruments. They should plan for at least five percussionists with expansion to six or seven percussionists preferred.

Competition entries should be submitted via email at music@anokaramsey.edu. Each entry should include five items:

• cover sheet with the composer’s name, mailing address, email address, school affiliation if they are a current student, birth date, and names of all files submitted, in Word or PDF format;
• one PDF of the full score;
• one PDF of the set of individual parts;
• a recording in .mp3 format (MIDI files from the composing software are acceptable); and
• program notes (separate from the score, and in Word or PDF format).

The First Annual Composition Competition is open to the public, and individuals of all ages may apply. The deadline to enter is May 1, 2018. 

For more information about Music at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit AnokaRamsey.edu/academics/departments-faculty/music/.