The Institute of Latin American Music Studies (ILAMS) at Sam Houston State University and the Forum Cultural of León, México invite all composers of Mexican descent to participate in Mexican Heritage Composition Competition.

AWARD AND PERFORMANCE

Grand Prize is $5000 USD for the winning score. Performances will include premieres in Texas, Mexico City, Leon and Puebla, Mexico.

ELIGIBILITY

All composers of Mexican descent are eligible who have not reached their 35th birthday by the submission deadline. Upon request, contestants will provide proof of Mexican heritage.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

A work for piano soloist and orchestra. The duration of the work should be no more than 15 minutes. No prepared piano works. Composers should use themes and melodies of Mexican culture and origin in their works.
Works submitted should use the following instrumentation guidelines as a maximum:
Eagle Strings
Woodwinds
2 Flutes, 1 Piccolo
2 Oboes, 1 English Horn
2 Clarinets, bass clarinet (or 3 clarinets)
2 Bassoons, 1 Contrabassoon (optional)
Brass
4 French Horns
3 Trumpets
2 Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone
1 Tuba
Percussion 2-4 players
Tympani
Acoustic works only. Works using electronic playback will not be accepted.
Music must be original, unpublished works that have not yet had a premiere.
Interested composers should submit:
   • 2 copies of a legible, bound, full score and 1 copy of individual parts; submissions must be submitted in Finale or Sibelius format
   • a biography, with current address, e-mail address, and phone number, and
   • a stamped, self-addressed envelope, if they wish their music returned.
   • Photocopy of passport

ENTRY FEE AND DEADLINE

The entry fee is $50.00 per work entered. Make checks or money orders payable to Sam Houston State University School of Music. All entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 20, 2009. Sam Houston State University is not responsible for lost or damaged material. The winning composition will be announced on this website Friday, April 17, 2009.

SEND ENTRIES OR WRITTEN INQUIRIES TO:

Attn.: Dr. Sergio Ruiz
Sam Houston State University School of Music
1751 Avenue I
Huntsville, Texas 77341

or sergioruiz@shsu.edu