SCC Composition Contest

Do you have a passion for choral music? Springfield Chamber Chorus is thrilled to announce our 2026 Composition Contest! We are seeking exceptional composers and arrangers to showcase their talents for our upcoming season. We are looking for men’s and women’s pieces for the Springfield Chamber Chorus and a piece for our youth program, the Boys Choir of Springfield.

2023 Composition Contest Winner – Josh Rodriguez | “Dos Palabras”

According to the previous winner, Josh Rodriguez:

“Participation in the Springfield Chamber Chorus choral competition was a chance to share my music with a fabulous choir, and winning was pivotal for me as a young composer! In addition to a gorgeous performance, the winning work (“Dos Palabras” on a text by Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, now published by Walton Music), has opened doors for me to do what I love: making art which beautifies and fosters community.”

Contest Categories

We are accepting submissions in three categories:

  • Men’s Choir (TTBB or TBB) – A newly composed or newly arranged choral work written specifically for men’s voices that is musically engaging, expressive, and suitable for an advanced ensemble.
  • Women’s Choir (SSAA or SSA) – A newly composed or newly arranged choral work written specifically for women’s voices that demonstrates artistic depth, vocal color, and ensemble collaboration.
  • Boys Choir – A newly written or arranged piece for boys’ voices that is engaging, accessible, and musically expressive, with piano accompaniment and optional simple instruments.

SCC Men’s and Women’s Choir Guidelines

  • Voicing: TTBB/TBB (men’s) or SSAA/SSA (women’s).
  • A cappella or with minimal accompaniment preferred.
  • Submissions should be approximately 3–6 minutes in length.
  • Must be suitable for an advanced chamber choir.
  • Arrangements must be of public domain works or have secured rights for use.
  • Composers and arrangers of all experience levels are encouraged to submit.

Boys Choir Guidelines

  • Voicing: Written for a 2-part boys choir with unchanged voices (treble and lower treble ).
  • Submissions should be about 2-4 minutes in length.
  • Piano accompaniment required (fully scored).
  • Optional: Add simple supplemental instruments (e.g., percussion, handbells, flute), but ensure they do not complicate the performance.
  • Arrangements must be of public domain works or have secured rights for use.
  • Avoid parts that are too virtuosic — aim for accessibility by school and community boys’ choirs.

Submission Details

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026
  • Submission format: PDF of the full score and MIDI or live recording (if available)
  • Entry fee: $30 per submission
  • Winners announced: July 1, 2026

Prizes

Winners in each category will receive:

  • $250 cash prize
  • A live performance of the winning piece by SCC
  • Publication and promotional opportunities
  • A professional-level recording of the piece

Esteemed Judges

Our panel of judges includes world-renowned choral composers, singers, and conductors, bringing expertise and insight to the selection process.

How to Enter

Submit your composition or arrangement along with your payment.

Join us in celebrating the season with the power of music! We look forward to hearing your creativity and sharing your work with our audience.

For questions, contact us at springfieldchamberchorus@gmail.com.