Concert and Marching Band Composition Competition, 2015

Concert and Marching Band Composition Competition, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Who we are: Soldier On! is an education charity teaching members of the British armed forces, who have been made redundant on medical grounds, to plan and manage their civilian careers. Through our ‘Personal Career Management Programme’, we work with both service leavers and veterans who have been wounded on operations, sustained injuries whilst serving, or have been discharged through any other forms of ill health. (For more info please see: www.soldieron.org.uk)

Competition inspiration: Throughout the ages, military music has inspired individuals to face their tasks with courage and determination as, in a similar way, many of our beneficiaries have also had to face their rehabilitation or continued medical condition. At the same time, members of the various bands have taken on the role of medics or stretcher-bearers at the earliest and crucial steps of the casualty evacuation chain. Those people who have been airlifted to the UK will never know who these brave people are. It is therefore fitting that a charity such as Soldier On!, that for the last six years has provided the next step after the initial physical rehabilitation to help individuals find satisfaction in the civilian world of work, has teamed up with the unsung heroes form the armed forces bands to produce this imaginative and exciting competition. We believe this competition, open to all composers, both recognized and novices, will unearth some hidden musical talent and will also raise the profile of this much needed and unique charity, in turn allowing us to help more people.

Entrants: The competition is open to all military and civilian composers in the UK or at a BFPO address. Entrants are restricted to one composition entry per person. The winning entry will be awarded prize money of £800.

Rules: Compositions should be a quick march of between 3½ and 4½ minutes which reflects the values of the charity: dignity, courage authenticity, independence, uniqueness, talent. Entries must be original works and should not include arrangements of other copyrighted work. Entries should be written for concert band with the ability to be easily adapted for marching band. A guide to instrumentation is provided in Appendix A. The title of the winning entry will be “Soldier On!”. The winning composer will retain copyright and collect any royalties due, however agrees to allow the charity to use the winning entry royalty-free for 12 months from the winner being announced. In addition to the prize money, each Principal Director of Music has agreed, subject to artistic integrity, to perform the winning entry during one of their various concert tours. A shortlist of six entries will be performed and recorded (date to be arranged) before the judging panel announce the winning entry. Competitors should write and submit their composition in Sibelius format. Submissions should include a full score, recording (live band or computer generated) and covering letter. Memory sticks are preferred, although CDs will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday 29th May 2015. Entries should be sent to: Band Composition Competition 2015, Soldier On!, c/o The Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU.

The Judges are: Mr Philip Spark, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace RM, (Principal Director of Music, Royal Marines Band Service), Lieutenant Colonel Neil Morgan (Principal Director of Music, Corps of Army Music) and Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs (Principal Director of Music, Royal Air Force).

Getting involved and press assistance: Can you help by promoting this exciting competition to a wide audience of musicians, by highlighting the work of this unique charity and by asking that the winning piece is played by bands throughout the country and at suitable events such as Proms, military tattoos, country fairs, concerts, in schools, sports arenas, on radio stations and at other suitable events. It costs the charity approx. £1,800 to help one person receive the higher education certificate and find work – If you are unable to take part in the competition but would still like to make a donation please click on the donation button on our website www.soldieron.org.uk or contact us on the below numbers or at: Soldier On! CO/ The Naval & Military Club, 4 St James’ Square, London SW1Y 4JU – Thank you!

Appendix A – Guide to Instrumentation

2 x Flutes (2nddoubling picc) 1 xBariSaxophone 1 x Tenor Saxophone

1 x Oboes 1 x Bassoon (option for divisi or 2 separate parts) 1 x Euphonium

3 x Clarinet in B flat 2 or 4 x French Horns 1x Tuba

1 x Bass Clarinet 3 x Trumpets (1stpart divisi as required) 1 x Timpani

2 x Alto Saxophone 3 x Trombones (2 tenor, one bass) 3 x Percussion

Contacts:

Chris Dreyfus, Chairman and project coordinator – – 07795 967 248

Nicholas Harrison, Founder and MD - 07884 365 054