2010 Welcome Christmas Carol Contest Guidelines

• World premiere: No prior performance of submitted work.
• Eligibility: Composers of all ages
• Form: Carol (defined as a strophic song, which may or may not have refrains, that is associated with Christmas)
• Voicing: SATB with scoring for 3-5 octaves handbells, American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) Difficulty Level 3 (Please see the “Scoring for Handbells” pdf for more details.)
• Please note that handbells are a transposing instrument—they sound one octave higher than written.
• 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.
• ACF membership: You do not need to be an ACF member to apply. Finalists must be members of ACF. (For membership information visit www.composersforum.org or call 651-228-1407.)

 
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.
 
Awards and Benefits

• $1000 prize to each winner (maximum of two winners will be awarded)
• Performance to be recorded for national broadcast in 2011 via American Public Media.

 
Submission Requirements

• Signed and completed application form
• One full score including duration
• One copy of handbells 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 self-addressed, stamped envelope or a 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 6, 2010.
Faxes will not be accepted.
 
Notification
Composers will be notified by late September 2010.