Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University call for scores from currently enrolled high school students within the United States. May submit one composition to each category (Band or Choral). A top prize in each category will receive a monetary award of $200, virtual masterclass and/or composition lesson, and a possible performance by an Appalachian State University ensemble during the Fall of 2026 or Spring of 2027 semester. The runner-up in each category will receive a monetary award of $100 and a virtual masterclass and/or composition lesson during the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters. The top prizes may also receive a video recording of the performance of their composition.

Eligibility

  • This call for scores is open to all students currently enrolled in high school in the United States.
  • Only composers who are Legal US Residents are eligible to submit a score for consideration.
  • Composers from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Published works and those previously awarded a prize in a competition are ineligible.
  • Compositions should be 5-7 minutes in length.
  • Compositions must fit within the instrumentation guidelines below.
  • Only one composition in each category will be accepted per applicant. Please complete the form for each category in which you are submitting a piece. Send your best work!
  • Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered. Composers must provide a PDF file containing professional-quality, legible score and parts. The composer’s name must not appear on any file name, part, score, or recording.
  • If selected, composers must attend one virtual workshop/rehearsal meeting with the ensemble director and/or a virtual composition lesson with a member of the Hayes School of Music composition faculty.
  • By submitting a work, the composer grants permission to present a public performance that may be live-streamed and recorded. 

Instrumentation Categories

The availability of performers and instruments will be a consideration in the selection process. We ask that submissions be for full ensembles and/or chamber groups with the following guidelines:

Category A: Wind Ensemble/Symphony Band

No more than the following parts of each instrument.

  • 3 flutes/piccolos (possible doublings: 1 alto and/or 1 bass flute).
  • 4 clarinets  (possible doublings, 1 each: Eb soprano, Eb alto, Bb bass, Eb contralto, or Bb contrabass)
  • 3 oboes (possible doubling: 1 English horn)
  • 3 bassoons (No contrabassoon)
  • 4 saxophones (possible doublings, 1 Bb soprano, 1 Eb baritone and/or 1 Bb bass saxophone)
  • 3 cornets/trumpets (possible doublings, 2 flugelhorns)
    • Mute considerations:  Straight, cup, and Harmon may be used. 
  • 4 horns
    • Mute considerations:  Straight or stopping. 
  • 3 trombones (possible doublings, 1 bass trombone)
    • Mute considerations:  Straight and cup mutes may be used. 
  • 2 euphoniums
    • Mute considerations:  Due to limited availability, no mutes will be used. 
  • 1 Tuba
    • Mute considerations:  Due to limited availability, no mutes will be used. 
  • 1 Piano (possible doublings, celeste, synthesizer)
  • 1 Harp
  • Percussion:  We will have up to 7 percussionists.  Parts with multiple instruments must be written so a single player can successfully perform them.  Please click here to view a list of available percussion equipment from which to choose.

Category B:  Choral

The availability of performers and instruments will be a consideration in the selection process. We ask that submissions be for any combination of voices (SATB) including unison works, with divisi not to exceed two per part.  Examples include:

  • SATB
  • SA
  • SSA
  • SSAA
  • TB
  • TTB
  • TBB
  • TTBB
  • Unison
  • Unaccompanied, with piano accompaniment, or with instrumental accompaniment of not more than 5 individual instruments in addition to piano.
  • Text must be in the public domain or rights to text must be cleared by the composer and evidence of copyright holder’s permission must be shown at the time of submission.
  • Secular or sacred text

Application Process

  • Complete the application form. LINK
  • Submit links to a PDF file including the score and parts.
  • The scores and parts included in the PDF must be anonymous; they should bear no name or any reference that could be traced to the name of the composer. Non-anonymous entries will be disqualified.
  • If available, submit a link to a recording (MIDI mock-ups are acceptable).
  • Submissions must be received by February 1, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Selection Process

  • The creativity, quality, and idiomatic instrumental writing of the score submitted are the primary evaluation criteria. It is in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work.
  • Works will also be considered based on the available instrumentation (see instrumentation requirements above).
  • A jury composed of ensemble directors as well as faculty in composition and applied areas from the Hayes School of Music will evaluate the scores and make a selection of finalists in each category. The winning work and runner-up in each category will be selected from the pool of finalists.
  • All finalists will receive feedback from a member of the adjudication panel. Composers of the winning and runner-up works will be offered a virtual 30 minute composition lesson with a member of the Hayes School of Music composition faculty.
  • The panel reserves the right not to award a prize in one or more categories should they judge that the submitted compositions do not merit an award.
  • The winner(s) will be announced the week after AppState Spring Break.
    • All vendor forms for winners must be completed and submitted by April 10, 2026.
  • The premiere of selected works may take place in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.

Please contact hannonac@appstate.edu or gardnerjp@appstate.edu with questions.