NBA/William D. Revelli Composition Contest
NBA/William D. Revelli Memorial Composition Contest
Sponsored by J.W. Pepper
The William D. Revelli Memorial Composition Contest has awarded prizes since 1977. It is named after Dr. William Revelli, who served as Director of Bands at the University of Michigan for 36 years, and served as NBA President from 1976-78. It is the desire of the National Band Association that the winning compositions from this contest reflect its mission in helping further the cause of quality literature for bands in America. Additionally, works chosen as winners should be those not only of significant structural, analytical, and technical quality, but also of such nature that will allow bands to program them as part of their standard repertoire. As a result, a glance through our list of past winners will reveal some very familiar names.
Each year the contest receives approximately 50-80 entries from all over the world. Entries range in scope and quality and are from new to well established veteran composers. During the evaluation process, entries are narrowed down to a select number of finalists, which are brought to Chicago each December during the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. There, a panel of leading public school, university, and military band directors meets to determine a winner.
2025 Revelli Composition Contest Flyer and Guidelines will be posted soon
2024 Contest Winner: David Biedenbender
Each year, the NBA William D. Revelli Memorial Composition Contest Committee gathers at the Midwest Conference to select the piece they believe best reflects the mission to help further the cause of quality literature for bands in America. The 2024 winner is David Biedenbender with his winning work titled Enigma.
David Biedenbender (b. 1984) is a composer, conductor, performer, educator, and interdisciplinary collaborator. His music “…seizes the ear through a blend of expressive beauty and formal prowess…at turns rapturous and intimate, menacing and exuberant…Biedenbender isn’t afraid to wear heart on sleeve as he applies telling nuances to concise, exquisitely shaped sonic tales.” (Gramophone) He has written music for the concert stage as well as for dance and multimedia collaborations, and his creative interests include working with classically trained musicians and improvisers, chamber and large ensembles, interactive electronic interfaces and live brain data. His music is influenced by experiences performing in rock and jazz groups, classical ensembles and concert bands, a New Orleans-style brass band, as well as Indian Carnatic Music. “…active, compelling…shot through with energy….wonderfully imagined…Clearly, this is a composer to watch out for.” (Fanfare Magazine)
David is interested in the expressive power of combining strange and unusual elements—often timbres and textures—with things that are more familiar—like harmony and melody. He often embeds the resonance of imagined spaces into the music itself, using acoustic instruments to emulate electronic processes. He is also drawn to exploring the perception of time and memory in music through the relationships between various temporal layers, rhythm, and meter.
In addition to composing, David is a dedicated teacher. He is Associate Professor and Chair of Composition in the College of Music at Michigan State University, and he has served previously on the composition and theory faculty at Boise State University, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Madonna University, Music in the Mountains Summer Conservatory in Durango, CO, and the Interlochen Arts Camp. His composition students have achieved regional and national recognition for their creative work, including numerous awards and acceptance into renowned summer music festivals and undergraduate and graduate composition programs.
Enigma comes from a Greek word that means “to speak in riddles,” and in this piece, the riddle—or theme—is revealed gradually. The theme comes from the Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, which is one of my favorite pieces of music, and, once the theme is revealed, it is repeated cyclically with 21 variations, just like in Bach’s original. This piece is dedicated to my former teacher, José-Luis Maúrtua, a composer, theorist, conductor, and teacher with whom I studied at Central Michigan University. José-Luis was an extraordinary musician and teacher who was tirelessly dedicated to his students and to pushing them to do their best. I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned from him, and my music and my life are far better for having known him. Unfortunately, he was taken from this earth far too young—at the age of 57—by pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2022. I miss him dearly, and this music is for him.
For more information on the composer and his work, visit his website
Contest Selection Committee
- Chair: Matthew McCutchen, University of South Florida
- Terry Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University (retired)
- Marcellus Brown, Boise State University (ID) (retired)
- Catharine Sinon Bushman, St. Cloud State University (MN)
- Arris Golden, Michigan State University
- Jennifer Hamilton, Red Mountain High School (AZ)
- Chadwick Kamei, Pearl City High School (HI)
- Tremon Kizer, University of Central Florida
- Diane Koutsulis, Retired (NV)
- Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, Penn State University
- Jason Nam, Indiana University
- Sue Samuels, Furman University (SC)
- Colonel Don Schofield, United States Air Force Band
- Shanti Simon, University of Oklahoma
- John Thomson, Roosevelt University (IL)
Previous Winners of the NBA/William D. Revelli Composition Contest
| Composer | Title | Publisher | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viet Cuong | Deciduous | Murphy Music Press | 2023 |
| James David | Flying Jewels | Murphy Music Press | 2022 |
| Frank Ticheli | Lux Perpetua | Manhattan Beach | 2021 |
| Brian Balmages | Love and Light | Canzonique Music Company | 2020 |
| Omar Thomas | Come Sunday | Composer | 2019 |
| Wayne Oquin | Song for Silent Voices | Composer | 2018 |
| James Stephenson | Symphony No. 2 "Voices" | Composer | 2017 |
| Philip Sparke | A Colour Symphony | Anglo Music Press | 2016 |
| Paul Dooley John Mackey | Masks and Machines Wine-Dark Sea | Composer Composer | 2015 2015 |
| Wayne Oquin | Affirmation | Composer | 2014 |
| Oliver Waespi | Audivi Media Nocte | Hal Leonard-deHaske | 2013 |
| Michael Schelle | The End of the World | Composer | 2012 |
| Scott Lindroth Kevin Walczyk | Passage Epitaphs Unwritten | Composer Composer | 2011 2011 |
| Steven Bryant | Ecstatic Waters | Composer | 2010 |
| John Mackey | Aurora Awakes | Composer | 2009 |
| Steven Bryant | Suite Dreams | Composer | 2008 |
| Steven Bryant | Radiant Joy | Composer | 2007 |
| Frank Ticheli | Symphony No. 2 | Manhattan Beach | 2006 |
| Philip Sparke | Music of the Spheres | Anglo Music Press | 2005 |
| Joseph Turrin | Illuminations for Solo Trombone and Wind Symphony | Composer | 2004 |
| David Dzubay Sam Hazo | Ra! Perthshire Majesty | Pro Nova Music Boosey & Hawkes | 2003 2003 |
| Dean Roush | Illuminations | Composer | 2002 |
| Joseph Spaniola | Escapade | Musica Propria | 2001 |
| David Kechley | Restless Birds Before the Dark Moon | Pine Valley | 2000 |
| Donald Grantham | Southern Harmony | Piquant | 1999 |
| Donald Grantham | Fantasy Variations | Piquant | 1998 |
| Warren Benson | The Drums of Summer | Composer | 1997 |
| Walter Mays | Dreamcatcher | Composer | 1996 |
| Donald Grantham | Bum's Rush | Piquant | 1995 |
| Jeffrey Hass | Lost in the Fun House | Composer | 1994 |
| James Syler | The Hounds of Heaven | Composer | 1993 |
| Ron Nelson | Passacaglia (Homage on B-A-C-H) | Ludwig | 1992 |
| Mark Camphouse | To Build a Fire | TRN | 1991 |
| Paul Epstein | The Adventures of Matinee Concerto | Composer | 1990 |
| Gordon Ring | Concerto for Piano, Winds, and Percussion | Composer | 1989 |
| Martin Mailman | For Precious Friends Hid in Death's Dateless Nights | Ludwig | 1988 |
| Anthony Iannaccone | Apparitions for Symphonic Band | Ludwig | 1987 |
| No Award Made | 1986 | ||
| Michael Colgrass | Winds of Nagual | Fischer (Rental) | 1985 |
| Arthur Gottschalk | Concerto for Wind and Percussion Orchestra | Composer | 1984 |
| Gregory Youtz | Scherzo for a Bitter Moon | TRN | 1983 |
| No Award Made | 1982 | ||
| David Gillingham | Concerto for Bass Trombone and Band | Fischer (Rental) | 1981 |
| Byron Tate | Between Worlds | Composer | 1980 |
| Harry Bulow | Textures | TRN | 1979 |
| Jerome Sorczek | Variations for Band | Composer | 1977 |
NBA/Merrill Jones Composition Contest
NBA/Merrill Jones Memorial Young Band Composition Contest
The NBA/Merrill Jones Memorial Young Band Composition Contest was established in 1991 as a memorial to Merrill Jones, co-owner of Wingert-Jones Music Company, by his widow, Priscilla Jones. Mr. Jones was concerned always with helping the young composer. NBA past president Robert (Bob) Foster suggested a young composer contest, which would promote works for young bands. The result was a contest for composers under 40 years of age to be held every other year, now in the even numbered years, and which would produce works for concert band in the Grade 3-4 category.
Works must not exceed eight (8) minutes in length, must be the original work of the composer, and not be under contract to any publisher. Deadline for submission is November 1st. The contest is held every two years unless no winner is chosen. Wingert-Jones reserves the right of first refusal for publication. The current prize to the winner is $2000. The winner is announced at the NBA General Membership Meeting at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago following a meeting of the contest committee. The contest committed is chaired by NBA member Matt Smith.
2026 Merrill Jones Composition Contest Application will be posted in 2025.
2024 Contest Winner: Ryan Fillinger
Every two years, the NBA Merrill Jones Memorial Young Band Composition Contest Committee gathers at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago to select a work which best reflects the ideals of this committee. The 2024 winner is Ryan Fillinger with his winning work titled Fight or Flight.
Ryan Fillinger (b. 2001) is an Oregon-born composer of wind ensemble, orchestral, and chamber music. His works fuse styles of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Century with modern techniques and contemporary instrumentation. Ryan currently pursues composition and wind conducting at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he has studied with Dr. Sungji Hong, Dr. Kirsten Soriano, and film composer Bruce Broughton.
Ryan has earned several awards and accolades, showcasing his increasing popularity as an emerging composer. In 2024, he was named the winner of the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds 2023 Composition Contest. Also in 2023, Ryan was recognized as the winner of the Austin Symphonic Band 2023 Young Composers’ Contest. He was a finalist in the ASCAP 2022 Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, and also earned second-place of the Florida Bandmasters Association 2021 Young Composers Competition. Ryan has received performances from several ensembles including the Royal Australian Air Force Band, the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds, and ensembles at UNT including the Wind Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band, and the Symphony Orchestra. Ryan also frequently collaborates with student and faculty chamber ensembles at UNT to produce exciting and dynamic new chamber works.
Ryan’s passion and dedication as a composer has garnered recognition from many, who call him “one of the most promising young composers of his generation”, and one “[whose] fresh voice will undoubtedly craft a wonderful new addition to the wind band repertoire.” (Austin Symphonic Band)
The Fight or Flight response is defined as a psychological response triggered when one is faced with a danger or threat. It’s a natural reaction which releases hormones that prepares the body to either stay and confront, or to flee. In other words, it is our most primal and basic survival instinct.
I pondered how I could capture such a concept with music, so that it was thrilling and exciting as well as perceivable and easy to grasp. While examining this idea’s two main aspects — “fight” and “flight” — several musical ideas began to reveal themselves; I was soon left with a chaotic list of motifs. I eventually narrowed it down to two main motifs, each characterizing their own section in the music. The first section represents the “fight” response, which immediately opens with a bold theme played by French Horns, Alto Saxophones, Clarinets, and muted Trumpet. This theme grows more urgent as it evolves, adding piercing woodwind interjections and swelling auxiliary percussion. Suddenly, the music takes a frantic and exhilarating turn, segueing the listener into the second section: the “flight” response. Here, a theme characterized by unstable minor 6th leaps and an accompanying eighth-note motor is passed around the ensemble, first presented by the French Horns and Trumpets. This theme is later developed upon in a diminished pitch environment with more aggressive and chaotic gestures; fragments of Dies Irae from Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem can also be heard, which in this context is meant to suggest the increasing presence of imminent danger. The music then returns to a more tonal setting and restates the “flight” theme once more before finally closing with the opening “fight” section. The theme here is now painted in pride and triumph, and a heroic Trumpet fanfare leads the listener to a powerful finish, where the “fight” and “flight” themes are both referenced one last time in full force.
For more information on this composer and his music, visit his website.
Contest Selection Committee
- Chair: Matt Smith, University of Kansas
- Lt. Cmdr. Kelly Cartwright, United States Navy Band
- Chris Chapman, Central Michigan University
- Armand Hall, Eastman School of Music / Gateways Music Festivals
- Brooke Johnson, University of Delaware
- Nan Moore, Retired (KY)
- Kelli Pence, Broken Arrow High School (OK)
- Scott Pierson, 133rd Army Band (WA)
- Brian Walden, Virginia Wind Symphony
- Gregory Whitmore, California State University – Fullerton / Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
Previous Winners of the NBA/Merrill Jones Composition Contest
| Composer | Title | Publisher | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isabella Morrill | Voyage of the Northern Lights | Murphy Music Press | 2022 |
| Tom Davoren | A Midwestern Suite | Tom Davoren Music | 2020 |
| James M. David | With Soul Serene | Wingert Jones | 2018 |
| Joshua Hummel | Fanfare for the Appalachians: I-77 | Wingert Jones | 2016 |
| David Faleris | Of Chivalry and Valor | Wingert Jones | 2014 |
| Jess Turner | Exultant Heart | Wingert Jones | 2012 |
| Jack Hughes | After Rain | Wingert Jones | 2010 |
| No Award Given | 2009 | ||
| Ryan Main | The Clash | Wingert Jones | 2007 |
| Brett Dietz | shards of glass | Wingert Jones | 2005 |
| Jonathan Newman | Moon by Night | Wingert Jones | 2003 |
| Samuel Hazo | Novo Lenio | Wingert Jones | 2001 |
| Charles Rochester Young | Legends of the Northern Wind | Southern | 1999 |
| No Award Given | 1998 | ||
| Robert T. Smith | Panther Fire | Southern | 1996 |
| David Checketts | Festival de Ladrones (Festival of Thieves) | TRN Publishers | 1994 |
| Robert Cronin | A Soldier's March | Wingert Jones | 1992 |
NBA/Alfred Young Band Composition Contest
NBA/Alfred Publishing Young Band Composition Contest
Sponsored by Alfred Publishing
The NBA/Alfred Publishing Young Band Composition Contest is sponsored by Alfred Publishing. Special thanks to Chris Bernotas of Alfred Music for his support and guidance in this special partnership with the National Band Association. This young band contest seeks to find composers writing for grades 1-3. There is a cash prize for the winner, plus the possibility of the winning work being published in Alfred’s Young Band catalog. For information, email the contest chair, Audrey Murphy.
2026 NBA/Alfred Publishing Young Band Composition Contest Application Information will be posted in 2025.
2024 Contest Winner: Minoo Dixon
The National Band Association is pleased to announce that Balatro by Minoo Dixon is the winning composition of the 2024 NBA/Alfred Young Band Composition Contest.
Minoo Dixon is a Korean-American composer who has been on the rise composing meaningful and exciting music meant for a variety of audiences in the concert hall. He also has been an enthusiastic supporter and aided in initiatives of bringing diversity into concert music.
Throughout his years of composing, he has been awarded the Donald Martino Award for Excellence in Composition, Senior Composition Competition Winner by MTNA, two NEC Honors Ensemble Composition Competitions, and a Finalist of the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composers Awards Competition. His compositions are available internationally and have been performed at location such as Carnegie Hall, Busan Cultural Center, Jordan Hall, and the Midwest Clinic.
Minoo earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition from New England Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of Michael Gandolfi. He will earn his Master in Music in composition (2025) at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music where he is under the tutelage of Omar Thomas.
About the winning composition, Balatro:
Balatro is a bold and eccentric work that pulls performers and listeners into the whimsical mind of a ‘balatro’ – the Latin word for joker. With a wink and a twist, this imaginative piece introduces young musicians to the intriguing octatonic scale in a way that’s both thoughtful and accessible, providing a fast-paced captivating journey through fluid tonal shifts. Despite its tonal playfulness, the piece remains anchored to the familiar comfort of concert Bb, offering an ideal blend of exploration and stability. Quirky and clever, Balatro is a fresh, engaging addition to the concert band repertoire – guaranteed to surprise, delight, and maybe even outwit your expectations!
To learn more about composer Minoo Dixon, visit his website.
Contest Selection Committee
- Chair: Audrey Murphy, East Cobb Middle School (GA)
- Chris Bernotas, Alfred Music
- Mary Cogswell, Camelot Intermediate School, retired (SD)
- Dr. Gregory Denson, Cheek Middle School (TX)
- Tiffany Hitz, Robinson Secondary School (VA)
- Josey Jimenez, Duluth Middle School (GA)
Previous Winners
2022: Steven J. Pyter – PROXIMA B
2020: Brooke Pierson – The Lighthouse Keeps Watch
2018: Andrew Perkins – Gradients
2016: Haley Woodrow – And it Begins
2014: Erika Svanoe – The Haunted Carousel
2012: Clifton Jones – Rondo Picoso
NBA Young Composers Jazz Composition Contest
NBA Young Composers Jazz Composition Contest
Sponsored by University of Florida Bands
Application deadline – July 15, 2025
Have a question? Nee more Information?
Email Contest Chair, Richard Stichler
2022 Contest Winner: Clint Bleil
Clint Bleil’s original composition, It Matters, won the 2022 NBA Young Composers Jazz Composition Contest. The work was performed at the 2022 Midwest Clinic by the United States Air Force Airmen of Note on Tuesday, December 20th at McCormick Place.
Clint Bleil is a composer and saxophonist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Clint has degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance from Slippery Rock University, where he studied under Jason Kush. Clint recently received his master’s degree in Studio Jazz Writing from the University of Miami, where he studied composition under Gary Lindsay, John Daversa, and Carlos Rafael Rivera.
Clint has received numerous awards in composition and arranging. He has received a Jazz Education Network Young Composer Showcase Award (2022), an ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award (2021), and an International Jazz Composers SONIC Award (2019). His music has been performed throughout the country at the Midwest Clinic, the JEN Convention, the ISJAC Conference, and more. Clint has composed, arranged, and transcribed for multiple different groups and ensembles, including the Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Bob Reynolds, Project TRIO, and the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.
Clint is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Washington & Jefferson College, where he teaches multiple lessons and classes as well as leads the Jazz and Wind Ensemble. He also offers private woodwind lessons throughout the Pittsburgh area. Clint also is a member of the Pittsburgh pop/rock group, “No Bad Juju.” He regularly performs in the Pittsburgh area with his quartet that focuses on modern jazz arrangements and compositions, as well as a funk/fusion group that he co-leads with his brother.
Learn more about this composer and his music here.
Previous Winners
2021: No winner
2020: No contest
2019: Jorge Machain – Por Ahora
2018: Matt Horanzy – Init 1
2017: No prize awarded
2016: Cassio Vianna – April Song
2015: Jessika Smith – Cyan Thread
2014: Sean Nelson – Every Possible History of the Universe
2013: David von Kampen – Hodie Christus Natus Est
2012: Brendon McMullin – Sal y Pimienta
2011: Susumu Watanabe – Duodecim