2024 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest

The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) and John Philip Sousa Foundation are proud to announce the 65th Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest. Since 1956, this composition contest has stimulated the creation of many important new compositions for concert band and is responsible for more original band music than any other competition of its kind.

The Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Committee (Committee) consists of ABA members who screen and judge the entries according to the rules listed below. The winning composition will be performed at the 2025 American Bandmasters Association Convention, which will be held in Chattanooga, TN, February 26-March 2, 2025. 

2024 CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS 

1. Submissions must be original compositions for band with a completion date no earlier than August 1, 2021. Previously submitted works will not be accepted. No transcriptions or arrangements are allowed, with the exception of works transcribed for band by the composer. (For these entries, the completion date of the transcription…