Flute Choir Call for Scores

The Flute Choir Call for Scores is open to composers who write original works for flute choir/flute orchestra. Compositions must be no longer than twelve minutes as demonstrated by the required recording. Works must include a minimum of six parts, including any combination of instrumentation of piccolo, C flute, alto flute, bass flute, and optional contrabass flute, but no other non-flute instruments or electronic tracks. If the score as originally conceived by the composer includes any other acoustic instruments, or a pre-recorded electronic part, the composer must include replacement or substitute part(s) to be played by a member of the acoustic flute family. Compositions will be judged according to their function and effect as a completely flute-based work. The winning composition will be performed at the NFA Convention by one of the auditioned flute choirs with no additional instruments or electronics. Please provide a recording of the work using only members of the flute family, synthesized flute voices, or string voices, as suggested in the information in Additional Submission Suggestions below.

This annual competition selects one work each year to be premiered by the Professional Flute Choir, Collegiate Flute Choir, or High School Flute Choir in rotation. This year's winning composition will be performed by the Professional Flute Choir during the 2024 NFA Convention in San Antonio (next year's winning composition will be performed by the Collegiate Flute Choir). The winning composition will also be displayed in the Exhibit Hall during the convention and deposited in the NFA Music Library at the University of Arizona. No prize money is awarded for this competition. 

All of the following requirements must be met for competition consideration. The NFA reserves the right to disqualify any submission that fails to follow these rules of eligibility:

• By submitting an entry to this competition, you are attesting that the work has not yet been performed at a National Flute Association Convention (this is a new guideline; previously it was required to be a world premiere). 
• Submissions are judged anonymously. Remove any identifying composer or copyright information from submitted scores, parts, and sound files or recordings. 
• Entries are limited to two per composer, per year. 
• Winning composers are eligible to submit scores again after an interval of three years (e.g., the 2022 winning composer may submit again in 2026).
• Entrants waive all broadcast and recording rights to the convention premiere performance. 
• The composition remains property of the composer.
• Entrants must provide an electronic sound file (MP3, M4A, WAV, or midi) or a recording of the submitted work. 
• Entrants must provide one PDF copy of the score AND parts.
• Entrants must provide a paragraph explaining your composition or inspiration for the work.

Additional Submission Suggestions:
The score may or may not be transposed, but the parts should be appropriately transposed. (Make careful note of the instrument ranges and response tendencies.) The recordings may use the synthesized flute voices from notation programs, but the low flute voices are generally not well represented.  Using synthesized voices which are equal at all pitches, such as string voices, gives a clear picture of the harmonic texture, and makes up for the deficits in the low flute voices. Also, be sure to adjust the audio mix in appropriate proportions for the flute choir--i.e., emphasize the bass and reduce the piccolo and c flutes when creating the recording.

Please note, after completing your application, you will receive an email with a link for uploading your materials. Please check your spam folder if you cannot find it.

Competition Requirements*

• NFA membership - all flutists must be current NFA members at the time the entry is submitted (nfaonline.org/signup); membership is NOT required for non-flutist composers. The winning composer is not required to attend the convention but is welcome. Composers receive complimentary convention registration for the day their work is being performed. Flutists chosen to perform or present during the convention must also be current members at the time of the convention and must register for the convention by July 1, 2024. Membership and convention registration is not required for non-flutist composers.
• Completed entry
• Uploaded files –
  • one PDF copy of the score AND parts, without any identifying composer or copyright information
  • a paragraph explaining your composition or inspiration for the work
  • electronic sound files (MP3, M4A, WAV, or midi) of your work
    
• There is no entry fee.

All entrants must submit their entry, upload recordings/supplemental materials, and pay membership fee (flutists only) by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

* Competitions are subject to all rules and regulations on this page as well as the General Competition Information and Rules and Regulations. Incomplete entries will be subject to disqualification.

Coordinator