Composition Also-Rans.01

Although I have "won" a few music composition contests, for prize money, premier performances, or publication, I also have many "also-rans".  Several seem to make it to the final selections, but not the "winner".  I am convinced that composers and arrangers are "a dime a dozen", yet we continue to write. You can't stop the music in your head, so why not write it down and send it to someone: anyone?

I thought I would start posting my rejection notices in this blog, perhaps as some sort of therapy.  On the good side, I am usually disappointed for a couple of hours, then I move on.

Another important thought: Without the generosity of the many sponsors of music composition contests, many composers would have very limited opportunities to disseminate their music.

More to come, not in chronological order...

- george


Composition Also-Rans.01 Letter 01 - Top Four Finalist

Dear George,

On behalf of the Edwards Church, UCC 185th Anniversary Committee, I wish to extend my thanks for your participation in the competition to compose a hymn tune for the poem “Let There Be Light!”. We received a large number of submissions from around the world, and we have selected our winning hymn.

Although your composition did not win the prize, it was admitted to the list of four finalists, and was given high scores by two blind panels who evaluated it. Our lengthy discussion led us to feel that the winning submission spoke more directly to the character and spirit of Edwards Church, but standing on its own, all agreed that your submission was of very high quality, and worked well with the text. Should you seek publication or otherwise use your setting in the future, we’d love to hear about it!

We took great joy in considering your tune to be one of many blessings upon Edwards Church this year. All the submissions were thought of in this manner, and we were sincerely moved that you took the time to consider us during our anniversary.

Best wishes on your future compositions!

Peace be with you,

R. S. (name hidden)
Edwards Church, UCC
Choir Director
on behalf of the 185th Anniversary Committee