Mission
Our composition competition exists to champion the future of North American Brass Band music
by discovering and amplifying compositional voices both new to and emerging within the brass
band tradition. We believe the brass band medium thrives when it welcomes fresh perspectives,
diverse musical languages, and innovative artistic ideas. As the North American brass band
scene flourishes, we too believe that our movement will benefit from increased compositional
output from our local composers. Through this initiative, we aim to create opportunities for
composers to explore the unique possibilities of brass band writing while expanding and
enriching the repertoire.
What
The Brass Band Composition Competition of North America is an opportunity for composers to
create original new works or submit existing pieces. The competition aims to encourage fresh
and imaginative writing for the medium while discovering and developing compositional voices
that are new or emerging to brass band music.
The winner will be awarded a $1,000 prize
The top three (3) compositions are eligible for a public performance and a live performance
recording at the discretion of the adjudication panel.
When
● Competition Launch: July 1st, 2026
● Submission Deadline: January 1st, 2027
● Winner Announcement: February 15th, 2027
Who
Any composer that is a North American resident is eligible to submit.
Additionally, we are aiming to elevate new voices to the brass band medium and are not
considering composers already firmly established in the brass band medium.
During the submission process you will be asked:
● Country of residence (United States, Mexico, or Canada)
● Number of annual performances of your brass band compositions (other mediums like
chamber music, brass ensemble, etc. should not be in this calculation. Only British brass
band works)
How
Composers must submit an anonymous score (PDF) and audio file (mp3 preferred, may be a
live recording or a midi rendering). The work may be a pre-existing piece or may be newly
composed for this contest. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of adjudicators drawn from the
Colorado Brass and wider music community.
Composition Guidelines
● Entries must be original works composed specifically for brass band. Arrangements are
not permitted for entry.
● The competition is open to composers of all backgrounds and experience levels,
including those new to writing for brass band.
● Works should demonstrate creativity, musical individuality, and an understanding of the
expressive possibilities of the brass band medium.
● Compositions should accessible to a First Section brass band or lower in technical
demand
● Works of any duration considered.
Instrumentation must contain standard brass band scoring:
● Soprano Cornet in E♭
● Solo Cornets in B♭
● Repiano Cornet
● Second Cornets
● Third Cornets
● Flugelhorn
● Solo Horns in E♭
● First Horn
● Second Horn
● Baritones
● Trombones
● Bass Trombone
● Euphoniums
● EE♭ and BB♭ Basses
● Percussion, 3 percussionists preferred.
Creative use of additional instruments/voices is permitted. Composers are encouraged to
explore innovative musical ideas while remaining practical and idiomatic in their writing for brass
band performers.
Submissions must include:
● Full score in PDF format
- Composer name on the score must by an anonymous pseudonym
- Score must not have any identifying marks beyond the pseudonym
- May be a live recording or a midi rendering
- MP3 format preferred, please remove metadata
● Composer headshot
Other Competition Rules
Composers will be kept anonymous during the adjudication process. Please ensure the
composer’s real name or any other identifying marks do not appear on the score itself or
filename of the submitted audio file.
By entering, composers grant permission for the band to rehearse, workshop, and perform
submitted works. Submitting composers also agree to furnish Colorado Brass with all
performance material (parts, scores, electronic files) free of charge.
Up to three submissions per composer allowed. Each work must have a unique composer
pseudonym.
Colorado Brass reserves the right to select no entries to win the prize or have a public
performance.
Submission Guidelines
Submission will be via a google form. It will require a google account to sign-in.
Link Here: https://forms.gle/eWJTmXEau7pUnzdH7