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School of Music
Composition Area

Composition Competition

2019 Texas State Symphony Orchestra Composers’ Competition

Prize:

  • $3000 commission for a new orchestral work to be premiered by Texas State Symphony under the direction of Dr. Jacob Harrison in San Marcos, TX
  • Archival recording of performance
  • Round-trip domestic airfare (up to $500) and lodging to attend rehearsals and concert

About the Texas State Symphony:

  • The commission will be for the following Instrumentation:

            3333 – 4331 – Timp + 3 – Strings

  • The Texas State Symphony is a university orchestra made up of undergrad and masters music students studying in performance, music education, Bachelor of Arts, and sound recording technology programs. Auxiliary instruments such as piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon are all available as possible instruments to be utilized in the composer’s orchestration choices. A wide selection of percussion instruments in addition to piano, celeste, and harp are also available. The winner of the competition will consult with the Director of Orchestral Activities as to availability and strengths of particular instruments.

Eligibility:

  • Composers who are residents of North America and under the age of 40 at the time of application are eligible to apply. Older students may apply if currently enrolled at a degree-granting institution.

How to apply:

  • Submit the Google Form application found here, including a short description of the work you would compose if commissioned.
  • Via email to txstcomposerscompetition@gmail.com
    • PDFs of the scores and links to recordings of 2 pieces, one of which showcases your writing for strings (could be orchestral, chamber or solo works).
    • Via email submit a PDF Resume or CV including contact information for 3 professional references who may be contacted in the final round of adjudication.

Label all files as follows: LastName_FirstName_Title.pdf

 

Deadline for receipt of materials is September 1, 2019.

The winning composer will be notified by October 15, 2019 with a deadline for the completed piece of August 1, 2020.

 

All questions should be directed to Michael Ippolito at mli11@txstate.edu

 

Previous Winners:

2017 - Alan Hankers

2018 - José Martinez