Overview
Many people do not start pursuing composition until late in their music studies. Students who enjoy improvising or learning about how music is put together may be composers. Illinois State University composition majors receive reading sessions from nationally prominent ensembles such as Ensemble Dal Niente, Fulcrum Point, and ensemble mise-en. Our annual Red Note New Music Festival brings in prestigious composers such as Pulitzer Prize winner Joan Tower to campus.
Additional information about the composition program at Illinois State University is available on our informational poster.
Current Work
Illinois State University Student Composers Institute Call for Scores
Illinois State University will be holding a Student Composers Institute on September 22nd, 2019. During this session, student composers chosen from a pool of applicants will have an opportunity to have a previously written work for wind symphony rehearsed and recorded by Illinois State University’s premiere wind ensemble. They will also receive feedback and composition lessons from Illinois State University composition faculty.
- Piccolo
- 2 Flutes (divisi possible, 1 dbl. Piccolo or alto flute)
- 2 Ob (1 dbl. Enlgish Horn)
- 3 B-flat clarinet (divisi possible)
- 1 Bass Clarinet
- 2 Bassoons
- 4 Saxophones (AATB or SATB)
- 4 Horns
- 4 Trumpets
- 3 Trombones
- 1 Bass Trombone
- Euphonium (divisi possible)
- Tuba (divisi possible)
- String Bass
- Piano
- Timpani + 4 Percussionists
Works with less than ten players will not be considered. The composition should be no longer than 8 minutes in length.Excerpts of larger works will be considered.
First priority will be given to composers residing in Illinois. Second priority will be given to composers from states adjacent to Illinois: Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, & Indiana. Composers from other locations in the United States are invited to apply, but will not be given priority.
Composers should submit the following materials electronically to rdmagnu@ilstu.edu:
- A pdf of the full score of the piece (pdf file titled COMPOSERNAME-TITLE.pdf) (ex: MAGNUSON-WINDWORK.pdf)
- A link to a recording of the work (MIDI acceptable). This link should be embedded in the email sent to rdmagnu@ilstu.edu.
- A sample part for one instrument of the work (pdf file titled COMPOSERNAME-TITLE-PART.pdf)
The deadline for submissions is August 1, 2019.
Winners must attend the Student Composers Institute on September 22, 2019. At this time, no travel funds or funds for accommodation are available.
Winners will be notified by August 15, 2019. They must submit a complete set of parts and full score no later than September 1, 2019.
Faculty
Martha Horst
Professor
Carl Schimmel
Associate Professor
Roy Magnuson
Assistant Professor