THE OUTWARD ENSEMBLE CALL FOR SCORES

THE OUTWARD ENSEMBLE CALL FOR SCORES

The Outward Collective invites you to submit works written in the last ten years to be performed and recorded at our new music ensemble’s fall season opening concert in Wilmington, Delaware September 5, 2026. This year, we are excited to host the Wallflower Winds and offer three categories for composer submissions:

1. I. The Outward Ensemble (flute, guitar, tenor)
2. II. Wallflower Winds  (flute, oboe, clarinet, french horn, bassoon)
3. III. Open Instrumentation (up to 7 players)

Submissions may be written for the entire ensemble or any subset of each group (including solo works). There are no duration requirements. Each composer may submit multiple entries, however a new application and “fee” is encouraged for each submission. We will select 4-8 winning works to fill the concert. Submissions that exceed 15 minutes in duration may be excerpted. 

Winning composers will receive video and audio recordings of the performance and will retain the right to publicly disseminate these recordings for their own professional and personal benefit.

=ELIGIBILITY=

Composers of all nationalities and ages are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions regarding professional status. Works may have been previously performed.

=GUIDELINES=

Submissions must be written in the past 10 years.

Scores must be legible and performance ready.

Submission requirements:

PDF Score or equivalent

mp3/wav audio recording of the work (optional but encouraged). MIDI is acceptable.

Program Note (max. 250 words)

Composer Bio (max. 250 words)

Composer Headshot

Apply Here! 

=FEE=

Pay-what-you-can (recommended amount $10 per submission). Donations have no impact on the results of the call for scores.

=DEADLINES & SCHEDULE=

Submissions open April 6, 2026.

Submissions close July 1, 2026. 

Winners will be announced July 9, 2026. 

The concert will occur September 5, 2026 at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Wilmington, Delaware. 

=MISSION=

The Outward Collective exists to advance new music for and of our time that engages with and contributes to the global musical community. To address the insufficient support for current contemporary musicians, we seek to discover, empower, and create opportunities for composers through performance, promotion, and collaboration. 

For more information please contact outwardnewmusic@gmail.com. We look forward to collaborating with you!