Closing: July 15, 2026, by 11:59 pm EDT
|Kansas City
Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest
For this year's contest, we are considering works with a difficulty level of Grade 5 or higher written since August 1, 2023. Deadline for entry is July 15, 2026. The winning composer will receive a $10,000 prize. Details can be found on the American Bandmasters Association website.
Time & Location
Closing: July 15, 2026, by 11:59 pm EDT
Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
Event Overview
The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) and John Philip Sousa Foundation are proud to announce the 66th Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest. Since 1956, this composition contest has stimulated the creation of many important new compositions for concert band and is responsible for more original band music than any other competition of its kind.
The Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Committee (Committee) consists of ABA members who screen and judge the entries according to the rules listed below.
The winning composition will be performed at the 2027 American Bandmasters Association Convention, which will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, February 23-27, 2027.
Learn more: https://www.americanbandmasters.org/sousa-aba-ostwald-composition-contest-rules/