Queensland Wind Band Composition Competition

Entries are now open for the Queensland Wind Band Composition Competition

Applications are now open to all Queensland based composers.

First Prize

  • $500
  • On-line mentoring from Matt Klohs
  • World premiere performance by Queensland Wind and Brass

Second Prize

  • On-line mentoring from Matt Klohs
  • World premiere performance by Queensland Wind and Brass

Finalists will have the opportunity to workshop their composition with the ensemble and conductor. Finalists not able to attend in person will be offered online participation.

The world premiere performances will be programmed as part of the Made in Queensland concert on Saturday 1 August 2026 at the iconic Old Museum Building in Brisbane. Please submit your entry using the form below or click here.

Submit Your Entry Now

Submission Guidelines

The Queensland Wind Band Composition Competition encourages all interested composers to enter their composition for consideration.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 15 May 2026. Submission guidelines can be found below.

Length: The composition should be no longer than 10 minutes in length.

Instrumentation: The composition should utilise the wind band/ensemble instrumentation as seen below. Composers may use other instruments not necessarily listed but should consider instrument access when doing so.

  • Flutes (Piccolo, 1st and 2nd parts, can include Alto Flute)
  • Oboes (1st and 2nd parts)
  • Bassoons (1st and 2nd parts)
  • Clarinets (1st, 2nd and 3rd parts, can include Eb Clarinet)
  • Alto Clarinet or Eb Contra-Alto Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Saxophones (1st and 2nd Alto, Tenor, and Baritone, can include Soprano Saxophone)
  • Horns in F (4 parts)
  • Trumpets (3 or 4 parts, can include Cornet parts)
  • Trombones (3 or 4 parts)
  • Bass Trombone
  • Euphoniums (1st and 2nd parts as required)
  • Tubas
  • String Bass
  • Percussion (up to 6 players. Standard instrumentation includes Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Marimba, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Chimes and Auxiliary Percussion, can include Drum Kit)
  • Piano / Keyboard / Synthesiser (optional)

Guidelines: Applications should adhere to the following guidelines when submitting their work for consideration:

  • Submissions are due on or before Friday 15 May 2026
  • Each applicant may only submit one work for consideration
  • Submitted compositions must meet the guidelines as listed above
  • Submitted compositions must be wholly original, unperformed, and unpublished pieces. An unperformed work counts as a piece that has never received a public concert premiere.
  • Compositions requiring amplification, electronics, computer, or CD are not eligible.
  • The composer may be asked for a full set of parts if their piece is selected as a finalist. Materials should be able to be downloaded and printed.
  • Composers retain all rights to their materials, but once submitted, if selected as a winner, the composer grants permission for their piece to be performed and recorded as part of the Queensland Wind and Brass Made in Queensland concert on Saturday 1 August 2026.

Submission Requirements: Applicants should adhere to the following guidelines when submitting materials for consideration:

  • Score: Applicants should submit a fully finished score in .pdf format
  • Recording: Applicants should submit an audio recording Midi/Computer realisation of their composition in .mp3 format
  • Files are to be uploaded via this link.

Further questions can be directed to the Musical Director of Queensland Wind and Brass, Alisa Jones, via md@qwab.com.au