More Information
Entry into the Callum Au Big Band Composition Competition 2025
Prizes:
• The competition winner gets their piece recorded by the CABB as part of Callum’s August recording project, and the master session files of their piece to do with as they wish
• up to three runners up are invited to watch the big band session (travel & accommodation at own expense)
• all entrants at this tier receive a detailed score review from Callum Au
Eligibility:
• The competition is open to all composers and arrangers of big band music, from anywhere in the world
• A shortlist of finalists will be chosen by Callum Au, and the final winner will chosen by a panel of three expert judges.
Submission Requirements:
• Please prepare a concert score and transposed parts laid out as clearly as possible as PDFs; plus digital notation file, either in Sibelius (.sib) or MusicXML format. All of these files should be contained in a single .zip file. After you purchase your entry, you will receive via email instructions on how and where to submit your material within 24 hours.
• Your piece should be scored for a maximum of 2 alto sax, 2 tenor sax, baritone sax, 4 trumpet, 4 trombone (4th optional bass), piano, guitar, bass & drums; or any smaller combination of the above instruments
• Acceptable doubles – all trumpets can double flugel, alto 1 can double soprano sax, 4th trombone can double bass trombone. Bass can be electric or upright, guitar can be electric or acoustic. No woodwind doubles or keyboards please!
• Your piece should contain no improvised solos on bass trombone or 1st trumpet
• Your piece should be a maximum of 7 minutes of music including repeats, vamps and solo sections
• Your piece must be either an original composition or an arrangement of a work in the public domain.
Timeline:
• deadline for entries – June 30th 2025
• grand prize & runners up announced – July 14th 2025
• prize recording session – mid august 2025
Entry Fee:
£50 (does not include score review from Callum Au – available here)
