

composer of the year
ABOUT
THE PROGRAM
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra is committed to the education, development, and promotion of American composers. The SCSO Composer of the Year Competition is designed to annually highlight one, talented composer who is currently in the early stages of their professional career.
In addition to a one-thousand US dollars ($1,000.00) monetary prize, the SCSO’s Composer of the Year will receive a premiere performance by the Sioux City Symphony, press/media coverage, scheduled lectures at selected local colleges and universities, and involvement in a variety of other community-related outreach programs.

ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must be US Citizens in the early stages of their professional career.
- Submitted work may not have received a performance or a reading by a professional orchestra. (school/conservatory performances do not count as professional readings/performances.
- Work should be five (5) to fifteen (15) minutes in length.
- Not eligible are concertos, choral works, and works for winds/brass only.
(works for strings only will be accepted) - Instrumentation must not exceed:
2 fl [1.2/pic] , 2 ob [ 1.2/eh], 2 cl [1.2/bcl], 2 bsn [1.2/cbn], 4 hn, 2 tp, timp +1, pf/cel, str
SUBMIT
- Score must be submitted in PDF format
- One (1) computer-generated score of a work written within the last five (5) years
- A recording is required (MIDI is acceptable)
- One (1) current curriculum vitae that includes applicants current address, telephone number, email address, and proof of US Citizenship
- A short bio of the composer in PDF format (150 words max)
- A brief description of the work and notes detailing performance history if any, including all dates and names of performing ensembles.
- Entry Fee of Twenty-Five US dollars ($25.00) payable via PayPal.com link below
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra is not currently accepting entries for Composer of the Year due to COVID-19. This page will be updated when we re-open the process for entries.
All materials must be submitted via email: siouxcitysymphony@gmail.com
After the selection panel reviews all of the entries, the Composer of the Year will then be chosen and their work will be performed on Saturday, March 14, 2020, by the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. The Composer of the Year will travel to Sioux City and be a part of the rehearsal process for the premiere of their work in addition to other scheduled community outreach activities.
The selection panel will include Music Director, Ryan Haskins, composer, Clint Needham; and other members of the artistic team.
Finalists will be interviewed (via phone) by the committee and are expected to succinctly speak about their work, their compositional process, and offer any additional concepts that may help an audience engage with their work.
Applicants will be notified of the results no later than Monday, November 4, 2019.
Upon selection, the Composer of the Year must provide the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra with a complete set of parts (at no additional cost to the SCSO) that conform to the American Composers Forum Music Copying Guidelines.
TRAVEL
The Sioux City Symphony will provide the Composer of the Year with one (1) round trip flight to Sioux City, IA.
LODGING
The Sioux City Symphony will provide the Composer of the Year with hotel accommodations and local ground transportation during their residency in Sioux City.
AWARD
The Sioux City Symphony will award a monetary prize of One-Thousand US dollars ($1,000.00) to the named Composer of the Year (recipient is responsible for all US taxes associated with prize money).
SCSO COMPOSER OF THE YEAR
COMPETITION SUMMARY
DEADLINE:
Applications must be received by Monday, October 7, 2019
WHO MAY APPLY:
US Citizens / Composer in the early stages of their professional career
ENTRY FEE:
Twenty-Five US dollars ($25.00)
(Payable via PayPal link below)
LIMITATIONS:
One (1) work per applicant will be considered
Composition must be between five (5) and fifteen (15) minutes in duration
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP:
Copy of passport or birth certificate
INSTRUMENTATION:
maximum:
2 fl [1.2/pic] , 2 ob [ 1.2/eh], 2 cl [1.2/bcl], 2 bsn [1.2/cbn], 4 hn, 2 tp, timp +1, pf/cel, str
PRIZE:
Named SCSO Composer of the Year
One-Thousand US dollars ($1,000.00)
Premiere performance by the SCSO (March 14, 2020)
SCORE/RECORDING/BIO:
One (1) score in PDF format to be emailed to the address below
Recording is required, MIDI is acceptable
Short bio in PDF format (150 words max) emailed with score and entry fee
Applicants must be US Citizens in the early stages of their professional career.
2. Submitted work may not have received a performance or a reading by a professional orchestra. (school/conservatory performances do not count as professional readings/performances)
CHECKLIST:
Email the following to siouxcitysymphony@gmail.com:
___ One (1) computer-generated score in PDF format
___ Recording of piece – MIDI is acceptable
___ A brief description of the piece submitted
___ Short composer bio (150 words max) in PDF format
___ Curriculum Vitae including current address, telephone number, and email address
___ Proof of US Citizenship (scan)
All materials are to be electronically submitted.
___ Entry Fee – Twenty-Five US dollars ($25.00)
Please email all questions to:
***Submitted compositions that do not conform to these guidelines cannot be considered for the inclusion of this Call for Scores.
***The decision of the selection panel is final and also reserves the right not to award a prize in a given year.
***Honorable Mention will be awarded at the discretion of the selection panel.
PAST COMPOSER OF THE YEAR WINNERS

2019

2018

2017

2015

2013

2012

2011

introducing
SCSO
Live.
SCSO Live is the live streaming app for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra in Sioux City, Iowa. Watch live performances of our upcoming season, view EXCLUSIVE streaming only content and bonus videos, and learn more about music from our musicians and educators!



Plan Your Visit
There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning a visit to one of our live performances at the Orpheum. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy information for you—all in one place!
-
Before You Get HereThere's a ton to do in Downtown Sioux City before you get to the Orpheum. Dinner? Drinks? We've got your covered.
-
Getting HereThe Orpheum Theatre is in Downtown Sioux City on Pierce Street. Get a map, directions and learn where to park.
-
While You're HereWhat's the proper attire for an SCSO performance? What about clapping and etiquette? Don't worry! We've got you covered.