Student Melody Competition Official Rules

Composer Eligibility

• Students must be in grades 6-12 during the 2023-24 school year at the time of submission.
• Students must be enrolled in their school band program.
• Students must be legal US citizens.
• Employees of Conn Selmer and Conn Selmer affiliates, the immediate families of such employees (employees' parents, siblings, children, and spouses) and members of the same household of such employees are not eligible to enter the Competition.

Composition Guidelines

• An original work of a single melody composed after September 1, 2023.
• All submitted entries must consist of original melodies and must not infringe upon any copyrights or other rights of third parties.
• 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 extracted from notation software.

Submission Process

• The submission period is from February 15, 2024 – May 1, 2024.
• Scores must be submitted in either a JPG or PDF format.
• Only one composition entry per person will be accepted.
• The entry form must be filled out completely and submitted as a JPG or PDF.
• Both a parent or legal guardian and Band Director must sign the entry form.
• Score and entry form must be emailed to TBAMelody2024@connselmer.com by 11:59 PM CST on May 1, 2024.
• Any scores submitted in formats other than JPG or PDF or after the May deadline will not be accepted.

Judging Process

• Entries will be evaluated by a committee, which will choose the finalists. These finalists will then be sent to the judges, who will determine the winner. The judging committee consists of professional composers and music educators, and entries will be judged on originality, creativity, phrasing, and overall likeability.
• The winner will be announced on May 10, 2024. Conn Selmer will post the results on its website and social media platforms. Entrants will receive notification via email once results are posted. It is the responsibility of the composer to ensure that Conn Selmer has their current and accurate email address. Conn Selmer disclaims responsibility for any failure of entrants to receive emails from Conn Selmer, including but not limited to issues such as server or email malfunctions.
• The composer acknowledges that the melody submitted may be shared with judges responsible for selecting the winner. By participating in the National Student Melody Competition, the composer agrees to release, indemnify, and hold Conn Selmer and the judges harmless for any liability, damages, or claims for injury or loss to any person or property arising from, directly or indirectly, participation in the competition.

Awards

• The winning melody will be used as thematic material for a wind ensemble piece to be premiering on Thursday, July 25, 2024, during the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) Annual Convention.
• The composer maintains the rights solely to the melody, not the wind ensemble piece. The wind ensemble work will not be published but may be used for educational purposes.
• The winning composer and one parent or guardian will be provided a trip to San Antonio, staying at the Marriott Riverwalk for 2 nights from July 25-27, to attend the TBA Convention and the premiere. This prize package is valued at $1,500.
• The winning composer will receive a plaque and a copy of the wind ensemble score. This prize is valued at $50.
• The winning composer’s school director will also receive a trip to San Antonio, staying at the Marriott Riverwalk for 3 nights from July 24-27, to attend the TBA Convention. This package is valued at $1,000.

Sponsor

The 2024 National Student Melody Competition is sponsored by the Texas Bandmasters Association and Conn Selmer (referred to in these Official Rules as the "Sponsor"). The principal place of business of Conn Selmer is 600 Industrial Pkwy, Elkhart IN, 46516. The Sponsor can be located at its principal place of business.

Terms & Conditions

By entering, entrants and/or their parents or legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor) agree to accept and be bound by the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all matters. Entrants agrees to be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations as established herein.