COMPOSITION COMPETITION
2017 marked the inaugural year of the SBMA Composition Competition.
Our goal is to find and promote the next generation of instrumental band composers.
HOW TO APPLY
The 2018 submission period will be from November 1st to December 15th. Please submit the following materials via ONE email with attachments to inquiries@sbmusic.org.
The subject line of your email should read “SBMA Composition Competition” followed by your full name.
Within the email please attach:
An anonymous .pdf file of the composition score. The score should be labeled with the title of your work, and printed date of composition only (do not include your name on the score).
An anonymous recording in .mp3 format. Recordings must be complete (no excerpts) and must be labeled with the title of the work only. When submitting MIDI please take the time to create an audio file which sounds as realistic as is possible. An audio file is not mandatory to apply.
A curriculum vitae with your full name, date of birth, name of composition and complete contact information (this information will not be viewed by the jury).
The $20 application fee can be paid through Paypal at www.sbmusic.org (through the Donate button) or by check (made out to SBMA).
All steps outlined above must be completed and submitted in their entirety by the deadline. No exceptions can be made whatsoever. If you wait until December 15th, we cannot guarantee any issues that arise during staff review, including missing or incorrect documents, will be resolved by the application deadline.
APPLICATION FEE
$20 – Payment will be accepted via credit/debit card through PayPal at www.sbmusic.org (through the Donate button) or by check (made out to SBMA). PayPal accounts are not required.
Application fee is non refundable, please review guidelines carefully.
ELIGIBILITY
Composers must be between the ages of 16 and 35 at the time of submission.
Composers are not required to live in Southern California.
GUIDELINES
An original work, or arrangement, based on the song El Segundo By the Sea. See attachments at the bottom of this page for the piano score.
Between 4 and 8 minutes in duration.
Scored for a traditional concert band: 2 Flutes/Piccolo, 1 Oboe, 2 to 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxes, 2 Tenor Saxes, Bari Sax, any combination of 5 Trumpets/Cornets, 2 to 3 Horns, 3 Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, 2 Percussion (you may write for 2 Oboes and 4 Horns if you wish but not all parts may be covered in the performance).
Works may be written for amplified instruments and piano
Works may include non-interactive electroacoustic elements (e.g., CD playback).
The El Segundo Concert Band, or other ensembles associated with the South Bay Music Association, reserve the right to perform the winning composition at any time in the future free of charge.
PRIZE
One winner will be selected to receive a $500 prize and a World Premiere of their work in March 2018.
The winning composers will also be invited to El Segundo as “composers in residence” in March 2018 to work with the musicians performing their piece. Lodging and some meals will be provided free of charge. Attendance at the concert is encouraged but not required.
Several finalists will also be announced at the concert.
JURY
Submissions to the South Bay Music Association Composition Competition are reviewed anonymously in two rounds.
A preliminary screening to reach the Top 3 will be conducted by:
Steven Allen Fox
El Segundo Concert Band, Music Director & Conductor
Edie Rice
South Bay Music Association, Education Director
Dave Gold
South Bay Music Association, Board President
Anne Mazuk
South Bay Music Association, Board Member
Robert Soto
El Segundo High School, Band Director