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 Second Annual Tyler Youth Orchestra New Music Project Composition Contest.  Begun in 2007, the contest is designed to create a body of quality 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.

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.

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 2009-2010 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

All application material must be postmarked by January 31, 2009. 

List of Previous Winners

2008 – David MacDonald, Michigan State University