Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions from previous years. Please consult this list before contacting the competition coordinator. If, however, you can't find the answer to your question, contact the Commission Competition Coordinator via e-mail.
Submissions, Scores & Audio
How many scores are we actually supposed to send when completing the paper application? [answer]
How many recordings should I send when completing the paper application? [answer]
What types of pieces are best for submission? [answer]
What constitutes a piece “that demonstrates your current compositional activity”? [answer]
May I submit works for women's, men's, or children's choruses even though BCE is a mixed, SATB ensemble? [answer]
Will BCE return scores after the judging? [answer]
I'm ready to email my work samples but the files are too big. What do I do? [answer]
Submissions, Proposals
How specific do I have to be in my proposal? [answer]
How do I obtain and then prove copyright clearance on my proposed text? [answer]
May I write for instrumental accompaniment of any sort? [answer]
What type of divisi or solo writing can I incorporate? [answer]
Other
I can't download the Poster PDF. What can I do? [answer]
May I submit my information electronically? [answer]
Submissions, Scores
How many scores are we actually supposed to send when completing the paper application?
The competition rules stipulate that each applicant is to submit "three (3) sample scores, in five (5) copies each that demonstrate your current compositional activity". In other words, each application should contain 15 actual pieces of music.
If one of the pieces is especially long, consider sending a 3–5 minute excerpt. [Jump to rules] Please also consider the electronic application.
How many recordings should I send when completing the paper application?
Please send only one recording (CD). The competition coordinator will distribute copies electronically.
What types of pieces are best for submission?
It is suggested that you submit works that show a range of your compositional activity and that at least one unaccompanied choral work is included. Choral works are not required although it will help the Jury to see your vocal or choral writing if it is available. If you choose to send multiple movements from the same, larger work, consider if they truly illustrate your abilities.
What constitutes a piece "that demonstrates your current compositional activity"?
Any piece that demonstrates, roughly, what BCE may expect from the commission suffices. The Jury prefers recent works, however, so that they can assess most accurately what a new work might sound like.
May I submit works for women's, men's, or children's choruses even though BCE is a mixed, SATB ensemble?
Yes, you may. Note, of course, that the Boston Choral Ensemble will commission a piece for mixed voices.
Will BCE return scores after the judging?
No. Unfortunately, BCE is unable to return scores due to the sheer volume of submissions. Please be advised that you should never send originals or manuscripts as BCE is not liable for the handling of application materials. [Jump to rules]
I'm ready to email my work samples but the files are too big. What do I do?
Although email is preferred, you may also provide links to uploaded files on your site or use services such as YouSendIt. Please do not, however, direct us to webpages with information or put text into email such as biography or works list. The jury needs actual documents for these items.
The more specific you can be, the better the Jury will understand your intentions. In the past, applicants have written one or two pages and described, for example, how they might treat each part of a text, how the piece would compliment the theme of the concert, what text they intend to set, etc. In the end, there is no specific expectation, just a description of what we might expect if you win.
How do I obtain and then prove copyright clearance on my proposed text?
Before the Jury can select a winner, they must be assured that the proposed commission will not incur any legal difficulties because of copyrighted text. If you've received permission via e-mail, please include a printed copy of the e-mail for the judges. Before the commissioning process can begin, though, written confirmation of permission granted by the copyright holder will be required. The Boston Choral Ensemble will assume no responsibility for securing permissions. [Jump to rules]
Please do not pay in cash. For those completing the paper applications, send payment for the application fee in the form of check, money order, or PayPal. For those completing the electronic applications, please use PayPal. [Jump to rules | Fee Payment Page]
Will the application fee be refunded if I do not win?
No. The application fee is intended to cover costs associated with the administration and judging of the competition. Since all applications must be processed—including those that are disqualified for incomplete materials—no fees will be returned.
What methods can I use to pay the entry fee?
For those completing the paper applications, send payment for the application fee in the form of check, money order, or PayPal. For those completing the electronic applications, please use PayPal. [Jump to rules]
What do you mean by “works list”?
Please include a list of all works you've composed, or, at least all those you've written that include voice. Please note date of composition and voicing/accompaniment. No actual musical examples are needed beyond those that constitute the three (3) work samples included in your application.
Is this competition anonymous?
No. Eligibility, however, is not limited to any category of person. [Jump to rules]
I'm overseas and know my submission will arrive late, what should I do?
Provided that your application is postmarked by the deadline, you need not worry. Please, however, send by a reasonably quick method such as Airmail if you send close to the deadline. Also, BCE strongly encourages the electronic application method.
The deadline has just passed, can I still submit?
No. Because of the volume of applications and administrative work for the Competition, late applications can not be considered by the Jury. Note, however, that the Competition is annual and you may submit your materials for the next year's Competition.
The Boston Choral Ensemble membership is comprised of advanced, amateur singers. For a general concept of the group's ability, consider past years' repertoire and recordings. Note, of course, that the winning composer will be in close communication with the Ensemble's conductor to help steer the new work.
May I write for instrumental accompaniment of any sort?
No, unless the concert already includes other instruments. The 2011 competition, for example, includes percussion as specificed in the rules for that year. [Jump to rules]
What type of divisi or solo writing can I incorporate?
The Boston Choral Ensemble generally maintains a membership around 32 amateur voices. Therefore, limited divisi up to 12 voice parts is acceptable. Extensive solo passages are not encouraged. Note, of course, that the winning composer will be in close communication with the Ensemble's conductor to help steer the new work.
We're sorry you're having difficulty with our site! Please contact the Competition Coordinator directly to send you the PDF in an individual e-mail.
May I submit my information electronically?
Yes, electronic submissions are possible. The process requires completing the application online, paying the fee via PayPal, and e-mailing your submission materials via e-mail. The Competition Coordinator is available to help you through this process as BCE works to make it easier for applicants to participate while using fewer resources in the process.
