In partnership with MakeMusic, Inc. and the Grammy-winning ensemble eighth blackbird, the American Composers Forum announces the Finale^® National Composition Contest.

The objective of this competition is to encourage creativity by composers throughout the United States and to recognize and reward their accomplishments.

The focus of the competition will be chamber music. Three composers from the total applicant pool will be chosen as finalists. They will receive a cash prize and be asked to write a piece for eighth blackbird, which will be workshopped and performed in the ensemble's Chicago studio. One of the pieces will be chosen to receive the final prize, which includes an additional cash award and a future public performance by eighth blackbird.

COMPETITION DETAILS and SCHEDULE:

• Entries must be postmarked on or before September 15, 2010.
• The names of the three finalists will be announced by December 31, 2010.
• Each of the finalists will write a piece 8 to 10 minutes in length, scored for the instrumentation unique to the six members of eighth blackbird: flute(s), clarinet(s), violin/viola, cello, percussion, and piano.
• The piece must be acoustic-only and must utilize the full ensemble (i.e., no trios, quartets, etc.).
• It will be due on or before June 15, 2011.
• Scores and parts created in Finale^® music notation software are encouraged, but pieces using other software programs are acceptable.
• The eighth blackbird workshop and public studio performance (which will be recorded for archival purposes) will take place in Chicago, Illinois, in late August/early September 2011, during which the winning selection will be made. NOTE: Participation in the workshop/ performance is mandatory for the three finalists.
  

AWARDS:

• Each of the three finalists will receive an award of $1,000 plus an additional $500 to help defray expenses associated with attending the workshop and studio performance.
• The composer of the winning piece will receive an additional $2,000 and the piece will be premiered by eighth blackbird.

• Entries are invited from composers of all ages.
• Applicants must be living in the United States at the time of the eighth blackbird workshop and studio performance.
• Employees and board members of the American Composers Forum may not enter the competition; likewise, employees of MakeMusic, Inc. and members of eighth blackbird and their board of directors are not eligible to enter.
• You do not have to be a member of the American Composers Forum to enter this contest. If chosen as a finalist, a one-year's membership is expected.

Entry Materials:
Each composer should submit:

• The Finale National Composition Contest Entry Form. (Download the PDF to the right)
• A maximum of 3 clearly labeled recordings on CD or DVD and corresponding scores of pieces you have composed within the last 5 years that you feel demonstrate your ability to write successfully for eighth blackbird.
• NOTE: Neither the composer's name nor any identifying marks may appear anywhere on the scores or recordings.
• The cover of the scores should contain the title of the work, the composer's pseudonym, a full list of instruments used, and the duration of the piece.
• A one-page work-sample description (e.g., title of each piece, length, track number, date of composition, performers, and, if the piece is improvised, a description of the nature of your involvement as the composer).

Application Deadline, Award, and Information:

• Applications must be postmarked on or before September 15, 2010. Late applications will not be considered.
• All performance, copyright, and royalty rights of the finalists' and the winning piece remain with the composers.
• Submissions will be judged anonymously.
• The decision of the contest jury will be final.
• The finalists will be announced by December 31, 2010 and posted on the websites of the American Composers Forum, MakeMusic, Inc., and eighth blackbird.
• Composers wishing to have their score and recording returned must enclose a check in the amount of $5.00 made payable to the American Composers Forum.
  

Composers should send their entries to:
Finale National Composition Contest
American Composers Forum
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E-145
Saint Paul, MN 55101