The Brazosport Symphony Orchestra (BSO), located in Lake Jackson, Texas, is sponsoring a competition for student and amateur composers.
PRIZE
The BSO will feature the winning composition in a public performance.
RULES
• Entries shall be original compositions between six and ten minutes in duration.
• Entries must be sent via email, or postmarked, no later than August 31, 2026.
• Each application must include a completed entry form. The entry form is available upon request from:
philip_walker2682@sbcglobal.net
• The composition shall be orchestrated for performance by a full symphony orchestra.
• The composition shall not have been previously published. Previous performance does not disqualify the composition.
• The winning composer shall provide the constituent parts of the composition to the BSO following notification of the judges’ decision. Electronic format is preferred.
• Expenses for printing and mailing hardcopy materials are the responsibility of the contestant.
• The winning composer shall grant a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-expiring and royalty-free copyright license to the BSO for use of the winning composition. The BSO reserves the right to use the winning composition to promote the BSO including live and recorded performances.
For the purposes of this competition:
- A student composer is defined as one currently enrolled in an educational institution.
- An amateur composer is defined as one who is not employed solely as a composer. Music teachers, band or orchestra directors, performers, copyists, etc., are considered amateur composers.
- A full symphony orchestra is defined as having the normal complement of strings, with full woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon), full brass (French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba), and percussion. Additional types of instruments may be incorporated as needed. Only one type of instrument may be excluded: more than one will result in disqualification.
No entry fee is required to enter the competition.
There are no restrictions on age or nationality of applicants.
Travel to Lake Jackson by the winning composer for the performance is not required. No funds are available to aid in such travel.
The winning work is expected to be performed in Spring 2027.
JUDGING
Criteria for judging are musicianship and suitability for performance.
ENTRY FORMAT
• Submit the score in pdf format.
• Submit the recording in mp3 format.
• The composer’s name must not appear on the score. To ensure impartiality in judging, please use only a pseudonym.

Send electronic entry materials to:
philip_walker2682@sbcglobal.net
Send all hardcopy entry materials to:
Brazosport Symphony Orchestra
Composition Contest
65 Bayberry Court
Lake Jackson, TX 77566