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University of North Carolina: Indigenous Composers Choral Composition Competition

This call for scores by the University Chorale at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro specifically seeks to amplify the voices and compositions of composers who identify as Indigenous, Native peoples of the Americas, and/or First Nations, and write in any compositional style for voices. Works which encourage the embodiment of story, narrative, and improvisation will be given special priority, as will works in indigenous languages. Composers will receive an honorarium as specified below.

Works written and selected in response to this call will be premiered by the UNCG University Chorale in concert on April 24, 2022. All works submitted will be evaluated by a panel of students and the Associate Director of Choral Activities. Finalists will receive a recorded reading of the work. The winning composition will receive a $500 honorarium. The second-place composition will receive a $250 honorarium as well as a recording of the premiere.

Submission criteria for the call

Composers must identify as Indigenous, First Nations, and/or Native peoples

Composition must be:

  • 4-6 minutes in length
  • Unpublished and unperformed
  • For SATB choir (with possible limited divisi in S/A) and piano (flute, drum, and small percussion instruments playable by ensemble members are also encouraged)
  • Pieces with texts in native languages should include a pronunciation guide (either written or recorded) and will be given special consideration. We are particularly interested in compositions which include elements of storytelling and narrative.

Other information:

  • Rights to texts must be cleared, and evidence of copyright holder’s permission must be shown.
  • Composer will retain the copyright of the piece.
  • UNCG University Chorale will reserve the right to the world premiere of the piece.
  • For payment processing, composers must be citizens of the United States or Canada.

Submissions are due via this form (https://forms.gle/m141crgKqAjRhp8o8) on March 1, 2022. A small committee of members from the University Chorale will review the works and assist in choosing finalists. Finalists will be notified by March 8, 2022 and winners by March 14, 2022. The performance of the chosen works will occur on April 24, 2022 at 5:00pm as part of the University Chorale concert at First Presbyterian Church.

For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Carole Ott Coelho, Associate Director of Choral Activities at UNCG at cjott@uncg.edu.