To encourage the composition, publication, and performance of quality music for the benefit of school orchestra programs.

For past contest winners,
click here.

An original unpublished composition suitable for STRING ORCHESTRA. Entries for elementary, middle school/junior high, and high school orchestra will be accepted.

National publicity
$1,000.00 award

Download Application Form (PDF)

Mail to:
Craig Needham
Past President, TODA
1912 Campbell Trail
Richardson, TX  75082

DEADLINE — Must be postmarked no later than April 7, 2012.

Manuscripts for this contest are evaluated by score analysis and by live performance. The length of the composition should be appropriate to the age level. The manuscript must be clear and legible and include the title and rehearsal numbers or letters. The string parts should be thoroughly edited with bowings and fingerings appropriate to the age level. Allow for page turns. Piano and harp parts are optional. The score must have separate staves for 1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

The manuscript and parts must not contain any identification of the composer. Six copies of the score, and set of parts (string parts – 8,8,5,5,3) are required. An orchestral recording or MIDI realization (on cassette tape or CD) may be sent, if desired.*Manuscripts will be returned if a self-addressed, stamped, envelope is provided. Only one entry per composer will be allowed. Previous winners may enter again after three years.*

* New guidelines for Composition Contest.

Although every effort will be made to protect and safeguard all manuscripts, neither TODA nor anyone connected with this contest will assume responsibility for loss or damage. It is strongly recommended that contestants keep the original copies of the score and parts.

In the Preliminary Round, all entries will be screened (score analysis) by a panel of three judges. Compositions selected for the Final Round will be performed by a high school orchestra for a panel of five judges. Only the winning composer's name and the Honorable Mention composer's name will be announced. The identity of all other contestants will be held in strict confidence. TODA reserves the right to declare that a winner does not exist if the entry requirements and the musical standards are not fulfilled.

TODA will assist the composer of the winning composition in gaining publication. The winning composition may be published by any publisher jointly agreed to by the composer and the TODA Board of Directors. When published, the winning composition must carry the following designation: "Winner: 2010 Texas Orchestra Directors Association Composition Contest" on the score and on each part. The winning composer will receive national publicity and a $1000.00 award.

1. The TODA Composition Contest shall have a preliminary judging and a final judging. The final judging will be done at a live performance given by a high school orchestra. If a composer prefers, a furnished recording by an orchestra (not a piano reduction) may be played in lieu of the live performance. The five-member judging panel shall be appointed by the Composition Contest Chair (TODA Past-President).

2. The TODA Composition Contest shall be held at a time and place set by the Composition Contest Chair. The TODA Chair shall communicate with the chair of the NSOA Composition Contest in order to avoid a duplicate winner.

3. Compositions shall be judged using the Olympic Scoring System. Judges will rank-order all compositions. The high and low scores will be dropped. The winning composition shall be the one with the lowest composite score of the other three judges.