Composer Competition
Show off your composition skills for a chance to be featured at
Press Start’s concert on September 29th, 2023!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18th, 2023
The Specs
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Each submitted score should be between 7-10 minutes in length
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The work should be written for any combination of the following instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, with a maximum of 2 parts per instrument.
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Minimum ensemble size is 2 players and maximum ensemble size is 9 players.
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Please note that we are more interested in seeing works for mixed ensembles rather than works for string quartet, woodwind quintet, etc., but all works will be considered.
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Applicants may utilize as many themes from the pre-approved VGM track list in their composition as they please
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Compositions may not have been previously recorded or released for sales or streaming; previous live performances are acceptable
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There is no limit to the number of compositions applicants may submit
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Contestants must be 18 years of age or older and reside within the United States
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Deadline for all submissions is on August 18th, 2023 by 11:59pm
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Full Terms and Conditions of the competition can be reviewed HERE.
The Melodies
Lena Raine utilizes leitmotifs in order to better portray each character in a variety of settings. We've included each character's motive in its simplest form, but we recommend you listen to the full soundtrack on Spotify or YouTube. We've provided these melodies as inspiration for your work, but it is not necessary to included any of the themes in their complete form. For accessibility, we've included audio recordings and scores of the themes.
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Madeline | Badeline | Mr. Oshiro | Theo
How to Apply
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A brief program note (250 words) about your arrangement
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This language will be used to promote your work in the concert program and on social media
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2 Full Scores in PDF format, one with your name and one without for adjudication purposes
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A copy of each individual ensemble part in PDF format
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An accurate MIDI playback representation as a .mp3 file
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Note: Please make sure to check your .mp3 file before submitting. Unplayable MIDI files will result in disqualification.
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All candidates will be notified no later than September 1st, 2023. Selected finalists will have their work premiered live at our concert on September 29th, 2023. Winner will be announced at the concert and will receive a cash prize of $350. All other submissions will be considered for future video production and/or Press Start live events.