PCMEA Composition Contests

PCMEA Sponsors two composition contests to encourage the creativity of our student musicians.  The contests are open to all Pinellas County High School music students.  Be aware of the due dates and contact people.  The downloadable files are below for your students.  Encourage them to enter! Info for the 2017-2018 is now available!
 Pinellas County Music Educators Fanfare Composition Contest Criteria 2017-2018
1. The student must be enrolled in Pinellas County Schools.

2. The student must be enrolled in high school (grade 9-12).

3. Composition should last a maximum of 3 minutes.

4. The composition should be equivalent to grade 3-4 on the FBA list:
5. The composition should use full concert band instrumentation:
  • Flute – one part (splits within part are possible)
  • Oboe – one part (splits within part are possible)
  • Bassoon – one or two parts (composer’s preference)
  • Bb Clarinet – two or three parts (composer’s preference)
  • Bass Clarinet – one part
  • Alto Saxophone – one or two parts (composer’s preference)
  • Tenor Saxophone – one part
  • Baritone Saxophone – one part
  • Trumpet in Bb – two or three parts (splits within parts are possible)
  • French Horn – four parts
  • Trombone – two or three parts (splits within parts are possible)
  • Euphonium – one part (splits within part are possible)
  • Tuba – one part
  • Percussion – Snare, Bass Drum, and Timpani must be included.
  • Auxiliary and mallet percussion parts are encouraged, but not required.

6. Only complete works will be considered.

7. A bound score must be turned in.
  • The piece must be titled appropriately.
  • Composer’s name must be available.

8. Students may submit a recording, although it is not required for consideration.

9. The 2018 9-10 All-County Concert Band may perform the winning composition on its final concert program. Should the composition be selected for performance, an honorarium of $250 will be awarded to the composer.

10. All submissions must be turned in by Friday, December 1, 2017 to: Attn: Christopher Ellis, c/o Osceola Middle School, 9301 98th Street Seminole, Fl 33777
 Pinellas County Music Educators Chorus & Orchestra Composition Contest Criteria 2017-2018 (downloadable file for students)
1. The student must be enrolled in Pinellas County Schools.

2. The student must be enrolled in high school (grade 9-12).

3. Composition should last a maximum of 3 minutes.

4. The composition should be written in G Major, D Major, e minor, or b minor.

5. The composition should be in 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4.

6. Dynamics should properly balance the chorus and string orchestra. The orchestra is accompanying the text.

7. Composition should be for mixed voice chorus and string orchestra.

8. Suggested voice ranges • Soprano – C4-G6
• Alto–A3toF5
• Tenor–D3toA4
• Bass–E2toE4

9. Suggested string ranges
  • Violin – G3 to B5 (HS players up to E6)
  • Viola – C3 to E5 (HS players up to G5)
  • Cello – C2 to D4 (HS players up to G4)
  • Bass – sounding E1 to D3, written an octave above

10. String Voicing options
  • Option 1: Standard 5 parts for string orchestra (1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, cello, bass)
    with option 8va on some notes for HS students.
  • Option 2: 10 part layered composition that allows high school orchestra students to
    play a more challenging part, but still compliments and blends in with the middle school part . (1st violin A, 1st violin B, 2nd violin A, 2nd violin B, etc...)

11. Only complete works will be considered.

12. A full score and parts must be turned in. A reduced piano score for rehearsal would be nice, but is not required.

13. The student may use an original or public domain text. If a text under copyright is used, proof of permission to use it must be submitted with the composition.

14. The winning composition may be performed by the 2017 All-County Middle and High School Choruses and Orchestras as the Finale of their concert. Should the composition be selected for performance, an honorarium of $250 will be awarded to the composer.

15. All submissions are due by Friday, November 4, 2016 to:
Attn: Rosemary Collins, c/o Safety Harbor MS 901 1st Avenue North, Safety Harbor FL, 34695


Thank you for supporting music education.