Download the 2008 Guidelines and Application here!

The competition welcomes participants of all ages and all levels of ability.  Entrants must be a resident or study with a teacher in  Berks County.

The program also encourages music of all genres, and computer-generated notation will be accepted.  A $7 entry fee is required for all submissions.  The compositions will be blind-judged by at least three professional composers, college professors of composition or distinguished conductors.  The compositions are judged on originality; form and style; correct, well-edited notation including marks of expression, tempo, phrasing and dynamics.

A public performance of the winning compositions will be held in the fall of 2006.  Winners will receive awards for first place, second place, and honorable mention.

The early founders of The Berks arts Council originally created the competition, in the early 1970's.  It is held bi-annually throughout the county.  The mission and purpose of the competition was and still is, to encourage the creation of music by composers of all ages; and to provide public performance of new musical works. 

Mission and Purpose:
To encourage the creation of music by composers of all ages.
To provide public performance of new musical works.