Composition Contest 2025

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.
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 100% original.
• 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
– 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 announced 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 (link template)

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

  • Cochrane Music Society Concert Band Composition Contest

    Welcome to Cochrane Music Society's 1st Concert Band Composition Contest! This competition is designed for Emerging Composers to submit concert band Grade Level 3-4 works. Refer to Composition Contest Rules and Requirements for details.
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  • To be eligible as an Emerging Composer in this contest you must meet the following criteria: • Resident in Alberta • 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. • Have not won first prize in any previous contest for the work to be submitted. • Have not received a previous Cochrane Music Society commission.
  • The CMS will publicize information about the Composition Contest to the community through various media such as newsletters, displays, internet website and press releases. In order to avoid misunderstandings about privacy and use of personal information we ask permission from each contest applicant to publish names, photographs and/or video images.

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