2025 Hayes School of Music Composition Contest

High School Division

Call for Scores

The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University announces a call for scores open to all students currently enrolled in high school. Composers are encouraged to submit one composition to each of the two categories Orchestra and Jazz. Please note the instrumental restrictions and the virtual nature of this call in the instructions below.

We will have a call for Band and Choral for the 2026 Competition.

A top prize in each category will receive a monetary award, virtual masterclass and/or composition lesson, and a performance by an Appalachian State University ensemble during the Fall of 2025 or Spring of 2026 semester.  The runner up in each category will receive a monetary award and a virtual masterclass and/or composition lesson during the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters.

Winning composers are not required to travel to attend the performances, and no travel funding is currently available.

Prizes

Top prize: $200

Runner up: $100

The top prizes will also receive a video recording of the performance of their competition.

Eligibility

  • This call for scores is open to all students currently who are US Citizens enrolled in high school in the United States. Preference will be given to North Carolina students.
  • Composers from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Published works and works that have previously won this 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 professional-quality, legible score and parts.
  • 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 gives permission for a live performance that may be live-streamed as well as a recording of the composition.

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: Orchestra

No more than the following of each instrument.

  • 2 Flutes (possible: one doubling piccolo)
  • 2 Oboes (possible: one doubling E.H.)
  • 2 Clarinets
  • 2 Bassoons
  • 4 horns
  • 3 trumpets
  • 2 tenor trombones
  • 1 bass trombone
  • 1 tuba
  • timpani
  • 2 percussion
  • No piano or harp
  • Strings: sections of violins, violas, celli, double basses

All orchestral works need to be for either full string orchestra or full symphony orchestra.  No chamber works will be accepted. Works for a soloist accompanied by orchestra will not be considered.

Category B:  Jazz Combo or Big Band

The availability of performers and instruments will be a consideration in the selection process. We ask that submissions be written with the following guidelines:

Jazz Combo

  • Detailed chart/lead sheet, including a C part, Bb part, Eb part, Bass clef part, and parts for rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums).

Big Band

  • Saxophones:  No more than 2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone
  • Trombones:  No more than 4
  • Trumpets:  No more than 4
  • Rhythm Section:  (piano, guitar, bass, drums).
  • Vibraphone–optional

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, 2025 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. The jury reserves the right to not award a winning work.
  • 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 winner(s) will be announced no later than April 15, 2025.
  • The premiere of selected works will take place by the end of April, 2026.

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