2024 ISB / David Walter Composition Competition Guidelines

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The 2024 ISB / David Walter Composition Competition is dedicated to the memory of Robert Black.

CHAIR: Szymon Marciniak

DEADLINE: Online entries due by June 1, 2024.

The goal of the Competition is to encourage the creation of new repertoire and/or the discovery of unknown repertoire for the double bass. There are four divisions of the competition, open to all composers. There are no restrictions regarding past performances, publications or recordings of a work. However, widely known works that are deemed to have entered the standard double bass repertoire, based on the decision of a panel of judges, will not be considered. Entries can be in any style, between 6 to 15 minutes long. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OR SHORTLY AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2024.

  1. UNACCOMPANIED SOLO DOUBLE BASS DIVISION
  2. CHAMBER DIVISION: For one double bass in an ensemble from two to five players. Entries may consist of a prominent bass part plus additional players drawn from the following: piccolo, flute, alto flute, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/tuba, percussion (1 player), harp, guitar, piano/other keyboard instrument, violin, viola, cello and/or voice. Normal woodwind doubles are acceptable: flute/piccolo/alto flute, oboe/English horn, clarinet/bass clarinet.
  3. BASS ENSEMBLE DIVISION: A new work for two to eight double basses
  4. DOUBLE BASS AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA DIVISION: Includes video, live electronics, backing tracks, computers, etc.

GRAND PRIZE: $1,000 U.S. for each division sponsored by The Robert Black Foundation, and performances at the 2025 ISB Convention.

ANONYMOUS ENTRY ONLINE: MIDI recordings are acceptable. The composer's real name must be removed from scores and recordings and from file names that are submitted. Entrants will be invited to create a pseudonym. Apply online on the Acceptd platform at https://app.getacceptd.com/isb#! by selecting the David Walter Composition Competition from the dropdown menu on the left hand side of the page.

FORMAT: Composers must submit highly legible scores suitable for performance. The ISB reserves the right to reject illegible scores.

ENTRY FEE: $35, non-refundable, for each composition submitted, limited to one composition submitted per division.

QUESTIONS? Call 972.233.9107 x204, fax 972.490.4219, or .

Click here to view a list of past winners.