Celebrating Innovation Honoring Legacy Inspiring the Future
Introduction
The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) is proud to announce the 6th edition of the Warren Benson International Composition Contest, to be held during the 21st WASBE International Conference in the vibrant cultural city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 21 to 26, 2026.
This prestigious competition honors the memory and spirit of Warren Benson—visionary composer, educator, and champion of wind music—whose legacy continues to inspire composers to expand the expressive and technical possibilities of the wind band medium. In Benson’s spirit, WASBE remains committed to fostering boundary-pushing compositions and nurturing the next generation of creators.
Our aim is to celebrate diverse voices and daring creativity while promoting works that enrich the global wind band repertoire with lasting artistic impact.
Closing Date: November 1, 2025
Categories & Guidelines
CATEGORY I — WIND BAND
Grade 3 – 4 | Duration: 5 – 10 minutes
Aimed at accessible yet artistically compelling works for Grade 3–4 ensembles.
Required Instrumentation:
-
Piccolo, Flutes 1–2, Oboe, Clarinets 1–3 in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophones 1–2, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones, Trumpets 1–3, Horns 1–2, Trombones 1–3, Euphonium (C), Tuba (C).
-
Non-pitched percussion: at the composer’s discretion.
-
Pitched percussion: at the composer’s discretion.
Optional instrumentation (not required):
-
2nd Oboe, 2nd Bassoon, 3rd & 4th Horn in F, Cornet
Submit the following:
-
Full score (PDF) with title but NOT the composer’s name.
-
Recording (live or MIDI)
-
Detailed programme note minimum 400 words (If the note is in native language, please provide an English translation)
Selection Schedule / Timeline
-
Selection Round I: December 15, 2025 (6 candidates selected in each category)
-
Selection Round II: February 1, 2026 (3 candidates selected in each category)
-
Final Round: July 21 & 22, 2026, Rio de Janeiro
Additional Notes (for all categories)
-
All entries must be original works or composer-transcribed arrangements of the composer’s own works.
-
Previously awarded works (first prizes) are ineligible.
-
Scores must be anonymous for Categories I & II. Do not include names or identifying marks.
-
Multi-movement works are acceptable within time limits.
-
The same work may not be submitted to multiple categories.
-
The committee may reassign a submission to a more suitable category if necessary.
-
All jury decisions are final and non-negotiable.
-
There will be no ties in the final’s competition.
-
The first prize may be declared void.
Manuscript Preparation (for finalists)
If you are selected as one of the finalists, all materials must be submitted in PDF format within 2 weeks of notification.
WASBE recommends:
-
A3 size scores, A4 parts
-
Title in footer/header
-
Bar numbering throughout
-
Standard part transpositions (including alternate world parts as listed)
-
Clean, clear engraving (minimum font size: 4mm)
-
Unified language for performance terms
All files should be emailed to Markus Mauderer, Executive Director.
Prizes & Recognition
CATEGORY I & II FINALISTS
-
Live performance at the 2026 WASBE Conference in Rio
-
High-quality audio recording of the performance
-
Distribution via WASBE’s online store (12 months)
-
Inclusion in WASBE’s "Composition of the Week" series
-
Interview featured on WASBE’s platforms
-
Print display at Midwest Clinic 2026
-
Promotion to WASBE event organizers
Publication Terms (for finalists & winners)
-
For one year after the contest, finalist works will be sold via the WASBE online shop:
-
Public price:
-
Category I: 100USD (discount of 20% for WASBE members)
-
Category II: 200USD (discount of 20% for WASBE members)
-
-
50% of proceeds to composers
-
Composers retain rights and may seek external publishers
-
Jury & Evaluation
CATEGORIES I & II will have two rounds.
-
Round I: Screening by WASBE Composition Committee (Enrique Hernandis, chair). Up to 6 Semi - finalists will move forward to round two.
-
Round II: Reviewed by international jury. Up to 3 Finalists will move forward to round three. The jury reserves the right to select less than three compositions to the final should they decide that there are no pieces that meet the levels of high artistic merit.
-
Round III: will occur live during the WASBE 2026 Conference and will be adjudicated by a live jury organized by the WASBE Composition Contest Committee.
Category I Jury
Franco Cesarini
Switzerland
Yasuhide Ito
Japan
Category II Jury
Adam Gorb
United Kingdom
Frank Ticheli
United States
WASBE Panel Members
Assessed by panel based on creativity, artistic promise, and professional potential.
Enrique Hernandis
Spain
Jodie Blackshaw
Australia
Rubén Dario Gomez
Colombia / United States
Jukka Viitasaari
Finland
WASBE is honored to continue shaping the future of wind music in Warren Benson’s name. We welcome your artistry, vision, and passion for pushing the repertoire forward.
Let your music take the stage in Rio.
Visit:
For more information, please email Enrique Hernandis (WASBE Composers and Composition Platform Chair).
WASBE is a World of Musical Culture
WASBE is dedicated to enhancing the quality of the wind band throughout the world and exposing its members to new worlds of repertoire, musical culture, people and places.