The Florida Bandmasters Association is seeking original works for traditional concert band by emerging young composers. This competition aims to foster musical creativity by providing aspiring young composers with a platform for sharing their original works. It is designed to encourage composers to write music for concert band, specifically for the younger bands.
This competition is open to all composers age 30 or younger. High School students should consider entering the FBA Student Composition Contest.
ELIGIBILITY
- This contest is open to any composer age 30 or younger as of July 1, 2025
- Participation and entry are free
REQUIREMENTS
- Submit an original composition written for the Concert Band
- Level of difficulty - Grade I, II, or III - suitable for a young band
- Length of work should be no more than 6 minutes in duration
ENTRY MATERIALS
- Full score in PDF format
- Do not list your name on the score or audio file
- Include: Title and Duration of the composition
- Digital audio recording of the composition (MIDI renderings are acceptable)
- Age verification
- Signed Entry Form
- Short written description of the composition outlining inspirations and important features
- Submit via Google Docs
JUDGING
- A panel of highly qualified judges will select the winning composition to be announced at the Florida Music Educators State Conference in Tampa, Florida in January 2026
- Scores will be judged based upon artistic quality, significant structural, analytical, technical quality, and skill in orchestration and scoring.
AWARD
- $1,500 award
- It is our intention that the winning composition will be performed at the 2027 FMEA Conference, but we cannot guarantee that this will happen.
- Travel stipend to attend the rehearsals and performance of the composition
- All compositions that are named finalists will be listed in The Florida Music Director
ENTRY DEADLINE
December 15, 2025
Rules and Entry Instructions
