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SCORE is currently in development. Details may shift as the program is finalized.

SCORE

Student Composer Opportunities with Resident Ensembles

SCORE embeds NDSU student composers within Challey School of Music ensembles to create, rehearse, and premiere new works written specifically for those performers.

About the Program

SCORE is a new funded residency program supporting collaboration between student composers and NDSU performance ensembles. Selected composers will be paired with participating ensembles, attend rehearsals, work directly with directors and performers, and develop a new work tailored to the ensemble’s instrumentation and artistic goals.

Each residency will culminate in the public premiere of a new student composition during a regular NDSU ensemble concert in Spring 2027. The program is funded through the NDSU Foundation’s Centennial Endowment Grant Program.

At a Glance

  • 2–3 student composers selected
  • $900 composer fee
  • Paired with NDSU ensembles
  • Spring 2027 premieres
  • Workshop/masterclass with guest composer or clinician

Participating Ensembles

Final ensemble placements will depend on student applications, instrumentation, and ensemble availability. Ensembles and groups that have expressed preliminary interest (but have not yet been confirmed) include:

NDSU Opera
University Band
Wind Symphony
Brass Quintet
Trumpet Ensemble
Trombone Choir
Percussion Ensemble

Application Process

Applicants must be current NDSU students studying composition through applied lessons, composition coursework, the Composition Minor, or the BMus Composition degree.

  • Brief statement of interest
  • 1–2 representative scores or recordings
  • Preferred ensemble types or instrumentation
  • Short description of proposed creative interests
  • Faculty reference or instructor confirmation, if requested

Applications will be reviewed based on readiness for ensemble collaboration, clarity of creative goals, feasibility of the proposed work, and fit with available ensembles.

Program Timeline

September–October 2026
Announcement of SCORE program and composer application process.
October 2026
Selection of participating composers and ensemble placements.
October 2026–February 2027
Residency collaboration, rehearsal attendance, and composition development.
March–April 2027
Rehearsals and premiere performances during ensemble concerts.
April–May 2027
Recording preparation, documentation, and archival materials.

Program Documents

Forms, agreements, and supporting materials for SCORE participants.

Grant Proposal

Original funded proposal submitted to the NDSU Foundation Centennial Endowment Grant Program.

PDF

Ensemble MOU

Memorandum of Understanding outlining expectations between SCORE and participating ensemble directors.

PDF

Composer Agreement

Expectations and participation agreement for student composers selected for SCORE.

PDF

For Student Composers

SCORE provides paid, structured creative experience writing for live performers. Selected composers will receive mentorship, rehearsal access, performer feedback, and a public premiere.

Apply for SCORE (not yet)

For Ensemble Directors

Ensemble directors interested in hosting a student composer-in-residence may contact Kyle Vanderburg to discuss instrumentation, timeline, and performance possibilities.

Contact Kyle

SCORE is supported by the NDSU Foundation Centennial Endowment Grant Program.