ITA Composition Competition 2027: Trombone Quartet and Octet Scores Due 14 December
Composers writing for brass ensembles can apply to the International Trombone Association (ITA) Composition Competition 2027. This is a competition for newly composed trombone music, not a performer audition or the International Trombone Festival Composers Workshop. The published submission deadline is 14 December 2026, and registration opened on 12 October.
The two instrumentation categories
The quartet category requires exactly three tenor trombones and one bass trombone. The octet category uses six tenor trombones and two bass trombones. Entries must be original compositions by the applicant; arrangements are not eligible.
Eligible music must have been completed in 2025 or 2026 and last between six and eight minutes. A composer may submit up to two works in each category and may enter both categories. Works previously published during the eligibility period may still qualify, subject to the complete rules.
What the submission must contain
Prepare a clearly engraved score plus individual parts in one PDF, with a published maximum file size of 15 MB, and an accompanying sound demonstration in WAV or MP3, up to 30 MB. Organisers specify a MIDI recording/demo; entrants should check their precise accepted audio requirements at registration.
ITA has an explicit policy on artificial intelligence. Entries with AI-generated creative material can be disqualified; authors may be asked to demonstrate their composition process. This is particularly important for applicants who use algorithmic tools. Consult the policy in full rather than assuming a production workflow is permitted.
Awards, exposure and use of the score
Winning music is intended for a featured professional performance at a future International Trombone Festival. The published package also includes complimentary festival registration, a three-year regular ITA membership, recognition during International Trombone Week and a US$100 ITA merchandise certificate.
The award has a licensing condition: for a year after the results announcement, the winning composer must either allow the association to provide the score free or make a worldwide 25% discount available. Entrants should consider this obligation before accepting a prize.
Schedule, organiser and cautions
Entries close on 14 December 2026; the judging period is in early 2027, with the result announced during the following spring. The association was formed in 1972 and runs a long-standing international community, competitions and festivals for trombonists.
Use the separate quartet or octet entry link on the organiser's page, verify any payment requested by the registration process, and keep a copy of the completed submission. No entry fee is asserted here because the page consulted does not clearly state one.
Official application and final checks
Details and deadlines can be updated by the organiser. Read the official rules and use only the official submission route before paying fees, sharing documents or submitting work. Information reviewed on 23 October 2026.