Score Wars

Score Wars invites high school composers in the Fargo-Moorhead area to engage in a creative battle of musical minds. Hosted by NDSU Composition and held monthly at North Dakota State University's Challey School of Music this fall, each round challenges participants with unique 'secret ingredients' to inspire their compositions. The compositions that emerge will be performed by NDSU ensembles and voted on by both the audience and a panel of judges.

Have you seen Iron Chef, Chopped, Top Chef, or Guy's Grocery Games? It's like that, but for composers, and it's non-elimination.

How It Works

Score Wars

Participants are given creative challenges each month and have the opportunity to see their compositions performed live.

Step 1: Register Sign up to participate in the next round of Score Wars.
Step 2: Receive Your Challenge: At the start of the competition month, you’ll receive secret ingredients that will shape your composition.
Step 3: Compose: You have two weeks to create your masterpiece.
Step 4: Perform: Watch as NDSU ensembles bring your scores to life in a live recital.
Step 5: Win: Compete for the chance to be recognized as a composition champion.

Competition Rules

Score Wars

Eligibility

- Participants must be enrolled high school students or NDSU Music students
- Must be present at performance to win

Submission Guidelines

October Round

The Second Set of secret ingredients were announced at the Round 1 performance on October 1, 2024 at 5:30 pm on the campus of NDSU. Secret ingredients will be posted to https://scorewars.org by midnight on October 2.
Submissions must be received via the submission portal at https://scorewars.org/submit/ or via email to kyle.vanderburg@ndsu.edu by 11:59pm on October 16
Submissions must include:

  • A complete score
  • A complete set of parts

Performance Rehearsal

The selected ensemble will rehearse the pieces from October 17 through November 12, for a performance on November 12 at 5:30 pm in Beckwith Recital Hall.

Judging and Prize Details

Prizes will be awarded for Judge's choice (from a rotating cast of guest judges) and Audience Choice. Prizes may include:

  • Bragging Rights
  • Trophies
  • NDSU Swag

ROUND 2 SECRET INGREDIENTS

Score Wars

Ensemble: Piano, Flute, Clarinet
Duration: No longer than 4 minutes
Ingredients:
E-Flat
Syncopation
Windmill

Sheet music due to kyle.vanderburg@ndsu.edu by October 16 at midnight.

ROUND 1 SECRET INGREDIENTS

Score Wars

Ensemble: Solo Piano
Duration: No longer than 4 minutes
Ingredients:
Plagal Cadence
Staccato
Agriculture

Dates

Score Wars

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 - 5:30 p.m. New Date!
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 - 5:30 p.m.

All events take place in Beckwith Recital Hall

Winners

Score Wars

Round 1: Caleb Roth, Grandpa's Ranch

Register Now

Score Wars
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