Cochrane Music Society is pleased to announce
our 1st Concert Band Composition Contest!
This competition is designed for emerging composers. Musicians from across Alberta who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to submit their original music for a chance to win.
We are so grateful for the sponsorship of this project by the Town of Cochrane, Long & McQuade and Music Direct!
Prizes
1st Prize: Commission of $2,000.
The winning composition will be performed at the CMS Spring Showcase Concert.
2nd Prize: Acknowledgement of Accomplishment, Judges’ Assessment
3rd Prize: Acknowledgement of Accomplishment, Judges’ Assessment
Competition Dates
Applications Open June 1, 2025
Applications Close October 1, 2025
Selection Announcement no later than December 1, 2025
Premiere Performance of Winning Composition on or about May 9, 2026
Eligibility
The contest is open to Alberta residents who meet the following CMS Emerging Composer Guidelines:
• There is no age restriction.
• May have had some works published and performed and received regional awards but have not yet established a reputation in the field.
• Have not received national awards or grants for composing concert band works.
• Have not won first prize in any previous contest for the work to be submitted.
• Have not received a previous Cochrane Music Society commission.
Summary of Application Requirements
*See Competition Rules For Complete Information*
• Submitted work must be 5-6 minutes in length, band level Grade 3-4 with typical concert band instrumentation, and original. The use of AI to generate any part of the composition is not permitted.
• One entry per person.
• Applicant must submit completed application form (see below) with attachments:
– Anonymized Score for full concert band with accompanying program notes.
– Recording – mp3 or WAV soundfile
– Biography
– Curriculum Vitae – Optional
– Publicity Photo of Self – Optional
• Incomplete and late applications cannot be submitted.
Judging
The jury panel comprises respected members of the musical community. The judging of scores and music will be accomplished “blind”. Judges will not have access to composer applications or resumes during the submission review process. The decision of the jury is final.
Notification
• Selection of the commissions will be completed no later than December 1, 2025.
• All official competition communications will be by email.
• To receive their award, the winning composer must sign and fulfill the Cochrane Music Society Composition Contest Commission Agreement
Retention of Materials
CMS will not retain any submission materials, except the winning entry, after the commission has been awarded.
Questions?
Email cochranemusicsociety@gmail.com
Apply
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