2021 Chamber Music Composition Competition

The Bantam Winds strive to promote the composition and performance of new chamber music, specifically for the unique combination of oboe, clarinet, and horn. This year’s competition will encourage collegiate students to begin fulfilling this mission within the region of Northeast Arkansas. There will be two separate categories of entries: original compositions and arrangements. Composers may only submit once for either category but are allowed one entry in each if interested. One winner from each category will be featured in a masterclass with composer Celka Ojakangas and will also have their piece video recorded by the Bantam Winds and released on social media and Youtube.

ELIGIBILITY:
The inaugural 2021 competition is open to any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Arkansas State University - Jonesboro.  

COMPETITION GUIDELINES:
Both categories of entry will adhere to the same parameters. Pieces may not exceed 5 minutes of duration and may be written for any combination of the following Bantam Winds instrumentation of:  e-flat/b-flat/bass clarinet, oboe/english horn, horn. Note that entries may only feature one member of each cohort (eg. only bass clarinet or b-flat clarinet) and that there is no doubling allowed within the individual parts. Composers are asked to be mindful of extreme registers and of providing ample rests for the performers. Extended techniques and mutes are allowed so long as they do not endanger the instrument. Please consult the performers with any questions regarding any desired specific techniques or effects. 

 SUBMISSION:
All submissions are to be sent electronically in the form of a PDF and must include the finished score and parts. Arrangements must also include any reference scores if used. Midi recordings of the pieces may be submitted but are not required. Submissions must be received by May 1st by completing this form AND emailing your score, parts, and other supplemental materials to [email protected].

Composers may only submit one entry per category. Any submissions that do not meet the competition guidelines may be disqualified along with any scores and parts that do not meet reasonable professional standards for notation. ​

Application Form

 JUDGING:
The competition will be judged by the members of the Bantam Winds as well as Dr. Derek Jenkins. Criteria will consist of technical skill, performability, artistic promise, quality of engraving, and originality. Decisions will be announced no later than one week after the submission deadline on May 1st. All entries will receive comments. One winner will be selected in each category. They will be allowed to sit in for one rehearsal of their piece with the Bantam Winds before being featured in a virtual live-streamed masterclass with composer Celka Ojakangas. In lieu of live performance, the Bantam Winds will produce and release a video recording of the piece on social media. 


Questions or requests for further information should be directed to [email protected].