Programs: Student Composition Project
The Student Composition Project provides an opportunity for the encouragement of artistic abilities of Wisconsin students. Composition is also an important criterion of the National Standards for Arts Education, and is a natural extension of the creativity mode of music learning specified in Wisconsin's music curriculum guide. The Wisconsin School Music Association, in cooperation with the Department of Public Instruction, is sponsoring the 15th Annual Student Composition Project. Compositions will be evaluated in March and April of 2003, and awards will be announced in May. The two winning student composers will receive scholarships to study with a professional composer. General Rules - Any student in grades 5 - 12 may submit original compositions. Students in grades 5 - 8 will enter the Middle School Division, and students in grades 9 - 12 will enter the High School Division.
- Students may enter only one composition in each category. Song cycles can be submitted.
- There is no limit on the number of entries from a single school.
- A tape recording of the work must be submitted with the composition unless it is absolutely impossible to record the work.
- Each composition must have a title or number.
- Rehearsal numbers must be written at least every 10 measures.
- The student's name and/or school must not appear on the manuscript. All scores must be submitted with the Student Composition Project Entry Form.
- Works must be legible, accurate, and use correct music notation.
- Tapes, scores, and entry forms must be submitted in the same envelope before March 7, 2003.
- Two or more students may submit a combined work under the "collaborative" category.
Evaluation Process - Melody, rhythm, harmony, form, creativity and general effect are the criteria used to evaluate each student composition. The Student Composition Project is meant to encourage the creative use of these musical elements, and should not be used solely to teach music technology skills.
- Compositions for each division will be evaluated by a committee consisting of music educators and professional composers.
- Students will receive comment forms from two professional composition evaluators.
Awards - Plaques for up to three top places in each division will be awarded. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded, if any piece merits such an award.
- The top composer in each division will be given a scholarship to study with a professional composer.
- A single entry in one category does not guarantee a first place award in that category. Awards are given based solely on merit.
- Whenever possible, the Student Composition Project Awards Ceremony will be held at the State Capitol building in Madison. Music teachers, parents, family members and students are invited to attend this special ceremony.
Category – On the entry form, please check the category which best describes the composition. | Category | Description | | Instrumental Solo Solo | Solo for any single instrument, with or without accompaniment | | Instrumental Ensemble | Ensemble for any combination of instruments | | Vocal Solo | Solo with lyrics, with or without accompaniment | | Vocal Ensemble | Vocal ensemble with lyrics, with or without accompaniment | | Instrumental Jazz | Jazz composition for any combination of instruments | | Vocal Jazz/Show Choir | Any type of voicing with lyrics not to exceed 8 parts. No restrictions on accompaniment | | Collaborative Solo | Any kind of solo with or without accompaniment written by 2 or more students | | Collaborative Ensemble | Any kind of ensemble with or without accompaniment written by 2 or more students | STUDENT COMPOSITION PROJECT ENTRY FORM STUDENT COMPOSTION PROJECT RESULTS |
