Now in its 37th year, the Percussive Arts Society Percussion Composition Contest is designed to encourage and reward those who create music for percussion instruments and to increase the number of quality compositions written for percussion. Many of the contest winners are considered staples in modern percussion literature. Cash awards totaling $4,500 are distributed each year. Instrumentation and category restrictions are determined by the PAS Composition Committee each year and the deadline for entries is April 15th.

Composition Categories and Prize Awards for 2010

Category I:
Timpani Solo (4 standard sizes i.e. 23″, 26″, 29″, 32″)
First Place: $1,500.00
Second Place: $500.00
Third Place: $250.00
 
Category II:
Marimba and Cello Duet
First Place: $1,500.00
Second Place: $500.00
Third Place: $250.00

Application Fee:
$35 per composition (non-refundable) should be enclosed with each entry. Make checks payable to the Percussive Arts Society.
 
Eligibility:
• Previously commissioned or published (printed, audio or video) works may not be entered.
• Time limit for each category is 6–12 minutes. Total duration of piece should be stated on manuscript.
• Compositions must be original (no transcriptions or arrangements).
• The difficulty of the composition is left to the discretion of the composer; however, high artistic goals should be coupled with realistic demands to allow for performance at the university level.
• Instrument demands should also be limited to those commonly found at the university level.
 
Procedures:
1. Submit six complete copies of the score. If scores are not computer generated, neat manuscript is required. Composer’s name should not appear on any of the score pages.
2. Six unmarked and individually protected CD recordings may be submitted, but are not required.
3. Submitted scores and recordings will be numbered at the PAS offices to ensure anonymity.
4. All complete applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges.
5. Contest results will be announced in June, 2010.
6. All entry materials become property of PAS.
 
Deadline:
All materials (application fee, application form and manuscripts) must be postmarked by April 15, 2010.

For more information, please contact us at:

Percussive Arts Society
110 W. Washington Street, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 974-4488
Fax: (317) 974-4499
Email: percarts@pas.org

Link to the 2010 application web page: http://www.pas.org/experience/contests/compositioncontest.aspx
Link to previous winners: http://www.pas.org/experience/contests/compositioncontest.aspx