Tyler Youth Orchestra New Music Project

The Tyler Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Ryan Ross and with the support of the Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the Third Annual Tyler Youth Orchestra New Music Project Composition Contest.  Approved in 2007, the project is designed to create a body of quality youth orchestra literature to excite the next generation of musicians in new art music.  The contest is open to all composers under age 30 or any student currently enrolled in a university degree program, regardless of age.   All nationalities are encouraged to apply, and there is no application fee.

To be considered, please submit two sample scores that you feel best represent your compositional voice.  Works scored for full or chamber orchestra or student musicians are appreciated but not required.  A CD with MIDI realizations or live performances of the submitted works is also helpful but not required.  Materials will not be returned.

The winning composer will be granted a commission worth $1,000 to compose a new work to be premiered by the Tyler Youth Orchestra during the 2010-2011 season.  The TYO will reserve the right to specify instrumentation and certain difficulty standards, but the ensemble is consistent with a talented, motivated high school chamber or full orchestra.

To apply, please submit the two sample scores and a brief letter of interest describing your previous composition experiences and accomplishments to:

Tyler Youth Orchestra

New Music Project

P.O. Box 130694

Tyler, TX  75713-0694

Domestic material must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.  International submissions must be postmarked by February 15, 2010.  The winner will be notified by the end of March. 

List of Previous Winners

2009 – Kentaro Sato; Tokyo, Japan

2008 – David MacDonald; East Lansing, Michigan

Note to 2010 Applicants:  The scores are in - thank you for such a tremendous response to our project!  The panel will be meeting before the end of March to select our finalists, and the students will select the winner from there.  Continue to watch this patch for announcements.