Wausau's Artrageous Composers Debut

WAMTA presents the 3rd Annual Composers Debut - Call for submissions

Wausau Area Music Teachers Association has for the past two years supported local composers of all ages in its Composers Debut. This forum allows composers of all styles to have their music performed in front of a live audience and receive verbal and written critique from a published composer.

This year, we are opening the program up to composers all across Wisconsin! The performance will be held on Saturday, October 9 (time & location TBA, in Wausau, WI).

Deadline for entries is Saturday September 4, 2010. Interested persons may enter one of the following categories:

Also new this year, there will be a winner and runner up chosen for each of the above categories. Winners will receive a blue ribbon and $75 cash prize, and runners up will receive a red ribbon. Entrants will be notified by Sept. 18, 2010 if their composition is approved for performance on Saturday October 9, 2010 in Wausau, WI. Please refer to the basic notation guidelines on the website before submitting - all submissions must be musically notated. Acceptance will be based on meeting the following requirements:

  1. Completed application
  2. Two copies of original score meeting basic notation guidelines
  3. Live recording or computer playback of composition (CD preferred)
  4. A typed or neatly hand-written paragraph about what inspired you to write this piece
  5. $20.00 non-refundable entry fee made out to WAMTA

Mail the above to:

Kathy Dix
1250 Campus Drive
Wausau, WI 54401

Guidelines for submissions:

  1. Student shall be a current resident in Wisconsin.
  2. Student shall submit only one musical composition for performance.
  3. Composition may be for any medium (piano, voice, any instrument or ensemble).
  4. Composition must be performed as written.
  5. Live Performance is required to be considered for the cash prizes for all pieces written for 5 or fewer instruments. Pieces written for more than 5 instruments, pipe organ, or electronic music can have a CD recording of a live performance or of a computer playback if necessary and will still be considered for cash prize. Live performance for these exceptions is always encouraged, however. All performances of 5 or fewer instruments not performed live will not be eligible for cash prize.
  6. Performance shall not exceed 10 minutes.
  7. The manuscript score must be fully notated completely by the composer. Also acceptable will be lead sheet notation where appropriate.
  8. Students are asked to follow guideline sheet when writing their composition.
  9. Students must be under the guidance of a music teacher, with the exception of College and Adult entries.
  10. Composition may be performed by someone other than the composer.
  11. No arrangements will be accepted.
  12. Lyrics and content must be appropriate for all ages.
  13. Original manuscripts must be in pencil, clean, readable, or in the form of a computer printout.
  14. Performers will receive a Certificate of Participation along with a Judges' Critique.
  15. Application Entry Fee = $20.00

For any questions regarding submissions or the event, please call Kathy at 715-675-1887