2011 Welcome Christmas Carol Contest Guidelines

2011 Contest Guidelines

World premiere: No prior performance of submitted work.
Eligibility: Composers of all ages whose permanent residence is North America.
Form: Carol (defined as a strophic song, which may or may not have refrains, that is associated with Christmas)
Voicing: TTBB with English horn (no other instruments should be included and PLEASE NOTE: the voicing should be for male chorus, not mixed voices).
Duration: Maximum of 3 minutes.
Text: Sacred or secular, medieval to present, appropriate for concert setting; Christmas or seasonal winter themes accepted. Proof of public domain or author’s written permission for use of text is required.

Who may apply

Composers of all ages whose permanent residence is North America; experience writing for voice and/or choirs is beneficial.
Applicants do not need to be members of ACF to apply. However, if selected, the composer is expected to be a member for a one-year period. (For membership information visit www.composersforum.org or call 651/228-1407.)

Awards and Benefits

$1000 prize to each winner (maximum of two winners will be awarded)
Performance to be recorded for national broadcast in 2012 via American Public Media.

Submission Requirements

Signed and completed application form (available at the bottom of the page)
One full score including duration
One copy of English horn part
A biography not to exceed one page
Program notes not to exceed one page (optional)
Document giving permission or status for use of text
If return of materials is desired, a $5 check payable to American Composers Forum sufficient to cover the return postage must be included
Please DO NOT SEND RECORDINGS

Deadline

Postmarked on or before August 5, 2011.
Faxes will not be accepted.

Selection Process

Applications and scores will be screened for completeness by ACF staff. Final selection and programming decisions will be made by VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor Sigrid Johnson. Note: American Composers Forum and VocalEssence reserve the right not to make an award.