Callum Au Big Band Composition Competition 2025
Posted 07 May 2025 by Chris Sowerby
The Callum Au Big Band Composition Competition 2025 is now open for entries.
Prizes:
- The winner will have their piece recorded by the CABB as part of Callum’s August recording project, and receive the master session files of their piece.
- Three runners up will be invited to watch the big band session in London (travel & accommodation at own expense
- Entrants can opt in receive a detailed score review from Callum Au of their arrangement or composition.
Entries will be shortlisted by Callum, and the winner will be selected by an expert panel of three judges.
Eligibility:
- All composers and arrangers of Big Band music from anywhere in the world and any age are eligible to enter.
To Enter:
- Submit 1 x concert score and transposed parts laid out as clearly as possible as PDFs; plus digital notation file, either in Sibelius (.sib) or MusicXML format.
- Instrumentation: scored for 2 alto sax, 2 tenor sax, baritone sax, 4 trumpet, 4 trombone (4th optional bass), piano, guitar, bass & drums.
- Solos: no improvised solos on bass trombone or 1st trumpet
- Length: maximum of 7 minutes of music including repeats, vamps and solo sections
- Piece: The music must be either an original composition or an arrangement of a work in the public domain.
- Composers/Arrangers retain all copyrights to submitted works.
Timeline:
- Deadline for entries - June 30th 2025 at 5pm
- Grand prize & runners up announced - July 14th 2025
- Big Band prize recording session - Mid August 2025
Entry fee with score review: £100
Entry fee without score review: £50