Comments on: Competition postponement

By: June

June — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:12:40 +0000

Thank you (again) for the reconsideration. I expect you’ll get far more entries from people who deserve to enter, not just the independently wealthy who enter all the competitions they can regardless of fees. $50 was really unreasonable as a fee, but it was especially bad if there was only a single winner. With the current rules, there are three finalists and you’re sure to get three outstanding pieces out of this.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:50:09 +0000

UPDATE: We’ve relaunched the composition contest in partnership with the American Composers Forum and MakeMusic, Inc.

No entry fee; longer timeline; no need to write a complete piece to enter; three finalists.

Hope you like.

http://www.composersforum.org/programs_detail.cfm?oid=12474

By: June

June — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:19:20 +0000

I don’t remember objecting to any of the rules when I read them, but the entry fee was extremely high relative to those for similar competitions. This struck me as willfully ignorant of the fact that some composers have MUCH more disposable income than others. With a fee of that size, you were guaranteeing yourselves a competition field that would favor wealthier composers — disproportionately excluding independent and young/emerging composers.

And in practical terms, I am willing to bet that a $25 fee rather than a $50 fee would produce more than twice as many submissions.

By: Larry Axelrod

Larry Axelrod — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:37:55 +0000

I actually had spoken to Matt (very nicely, I thought) about the competition. Both issues have been spoken about: first was the amount of time before the close of the competition (though I did finish my piece in time…), and second was the fee.
My comment was that since all of the members of the ensemble TRULY are composers’ best friends (in all senses), that perhaps a five-month lead time (instead of the three that it was), and a “gentler” entry fee (say $25-$30), would be a better fit. The very high fees seem only to be charged by the European competitions…

By: Joe Eidson

Joe Eidson — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:21:12 +0000

People will always find something to complain about, regardless of what happens. I don’t remember anything unreasonable at all about the contest, except thinking “$50? That’s a bit steep, but it IS 8bb…” and logged on to send in an entry today.

If I had to pick my ideal contest scenario, two things I would suggest are feedback for semi-finalists and not taking 6-8 months to post updates or results. Most contests are maddeningly slow in this regard… Anyhow, looking forward to the relaunch!

By: Aireque Rich

Aireque Rich — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:15:24 +0000

I agree with everything that people have said but I’d like to emphasize what Julian Day commented about.

Having some feedback for runner-ups from 8bb would be really helpful for composers.

By: Julian Day

Julian Day — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:45:49 +0000

great that there’s more time – that was my only concern – but i think the rules/regulations were pretty standard! i’ve been asked for much much more to enter competitions i’ve not had a chance in hell winning ..

i think that the most ideal change would be to recognize a few entries rather than just one – i.e. first prize = $1000, second and third prizes = rehearsal/performance. that way more people benefit from the biggest things 8bb can offer – your time, expertise and status – without necessarily costing 8bb more hard cash.

By: Dennis Báthory-Kitsz

Dennis Báthory-Kitsz — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:49:45 +0000

Thank you for being flexible and responsive. It’s rare and incredibly welcome.

By: Ian David Moss

Ian David Moss — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:35:23 +0000

Well done. I am glad you guys are doing the right thing and setting a positive example. I will note this on the blog.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:21:16 +0000

Perhaps best would be to find a sponsor for the competition who can cover the costs associated with collecting and judging compositions. They, of course, would get their name on the competition. For instance “The Edmund B. and Helga M.S. Benningsworth 8bb comp comp” or “The Chicago Bears 8bb comp comp”.