Student Melody Composition Competition

The Annual Student Melody Composition Competition, sponsored by Conn Selmer and the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), invites students in grades 6–12 from the state of Texas to submit original melodies. The winning melody will be used as thematic material for a wind ensemble piece and premiered during the Texas Bandmasters Association Annual Convention by the United States Air Force Band of the West.

Entries are evaluated by a committee of professional composers and music educators based on originality, creativity, phrasing, and overall appeal. The winning composer, along with their parent/guardian and school band director, will receive an all-expenses trip to attend the TBA Convention and hear the premiere performance.

Check back for 2026 submission dates and guidelines.

• Entries must be original melodies that do not infringe upon any copyrights or third party rights.
• Submissions featuring two or more voices will not be accepted.
• Melody must be 16 measures long.
• Score must include tempo marking, time signature, and key signature (if needed).
• The score must include a title, the composer's name, and contact information.
• Score may be either handwritten or from notation software.
• Only one composition entry per person will be accepted.

See the official rules for more details.