Fivemind Reeds is proud to announce their 2026 Call for Scores! Composers of any nationality, any age, and at any stage of their career are invited to submit works for reed quintet (oboe/English horn, Bb clarinet, saxophone/also saxophone, bassoon, bass clarinet) for consideration for a featured spot in Fivemind Reeds 2026/27 season.

Eligibility and Guidelines
There are no requirements regarding who can submit works — composers can be any age, nationality, or identity, and can be in any stage of academic or professional development.*

  • Works by historically underrepresented composers are strongly encouraged.
  • Works that have been previously performed or published are welcome!
  • Submitted works must be complete (no excerpts from larger pieces), with a preferred maximum length of 15 minutes.
  • Works with multiple movements are welcome, and will count as single compositions.
  • Pieces must be for full reed quintet (no duos/trios/quartets).

Fivemind’s standard instrumentation (in score order) is:

  • Oboe/English horn
  • Bb clarinet
  • Soprano/alto saxophone
  • Bassoon
  • Bass clarinet (with low C).

Past Call for Scores winners are not eligible to re-enter the competition. Past Call for Scores honorable mentions are eligible to re-enter the competition.

Submission Requirements 

  • A transposed score* and complete parts, including an audio recording (MIDI are accepted).
  • A short composer’s bio, plus a program note for the submitted work(s). Please include birth and composition dates.
  • An application fee of $15**
  • Composers are allowed and encouraged to submit multiple pieces for consideration; each subsequent work will incur an additional $5 application fee.

*Reed quintet score order is: Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet.

**Funds raised from application fees go towards compensating the musicians (i.e., Fivemind) for their time and effort. For those with financial hardships, Fivemind also offers the fee on a sliding scale. To request a reduced or waived application fee, submit a short written statement to fivemindreeds@gmail.com.

Timeline
Application opens: 12:01 AM PST, January 1st, 2026

Application closes: 11:59 PM PST, June 30th, 2026

Three pieces will be selected to be featured in a winners’ recital in the Los Angeles area for Fivemind Reeds’ 2026/27 season, of which each composer will receive a complementary live recording, in addition to a feature on Fivemind Reeds’ social media platforms. The concert recording will also be available for public viewing on Fivemind’s YouTube channel.

Winners will be announced via email and social media by September 1st, 2026. All submissions will also be considered for future Fivemind performances and projects. To see examples of our previous recording projects, visit our Media page or YouTube channel!

Recording Rights

Each composer will receive a complementary live recording, in addition to a feature on Fivemind Reeds’ social media platforms. The concert recording will also be available for public viewing on Fivemind’s YouTube channel.

Composers are free to use any recordings made by Fivemind Reeds as they wish. Recordings will be published by Fivemind to YouTube and other social media platforms.