2027 International Women’s Brass Conference Composition Competition: Free Brass Trio Scores by 15 December
A precise instrumentation requirement rather than unrestricted composition
The International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC) is accepting unpublished eligible scores for its 2027 Composition Competition until 15 December 2026. Composers identifying as women are eligible regardless of age or nationality, but previous winners of this particular competition are excluded. The 2027 required scoring is a brass trio of trumpet, French horn and tuba. For trumpet, B-flat or C instrument must be accommodated; flugelhorn or piccolo trumpet can be additional options rather than substitutes for the compulsory brass trio. The composition must be at least five minutes and playable by competent college-level brass performers.
Anonymous PDF scores and an optional audio reference
The score must have been composed after 1 January 2024 and should be edited to a performance-ready standard. Submit a PDF through the form on the IWBC website. The score must not display the composer’s name or identifying information, so title-page metadata and headers deserve inspection. It should carry the title in the original language and an English translation. Audio is helpful but not required; a MIDI rendering is accepted if no professional recording exists. Multiple separate submissions by one eligible composer are allowed.
No fee; $1,500 award and limited travel coverage
IWBC explicitly states there is no application fee. The winning composer receives US$1,500 in cash plus up to US$1,000 of travel and hotel expenses arranged by the organiser, alongside free conference registration. The 2027 International Women’s Brass Conference is scheduled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 9 to 12 June. The composer should be available to attend, but the expenses of every entrant or an accompanying person are not covered. IWBC may withhold an award if the panel judges that no composition reaches the required level.
Organisation and track record
The International Women’s Brass Conference supports women in brass performance, teaching, composition and professional networking. Its website identifies winners from earlier editions and specifies a named contest contact, score form and annual conference. Those records offer a useful way to evaluate the opportunity. Before submission, verify any new rules on publication status, reproduction rights, orchestration, hotel reservations and the June conference programme.
Official application instructions and primary sources
Information checked 23 October 2026. Confirm all dates, prices, eligibility and content rights against the latest official instructions before applying.