Members of the Iowa Composers Forum are invited to submit scores for various ensembles to be performed at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA on November 7, 2026.

Instrumentation:

• Category 1:

  • Composer/performer where composers bring their own performers or perform their works themselves.

• Category 2:

  • String Orchestra (amateur musicians)

• Category 3:

  • College Choir (students)

• Category 4:

  • Flute Choir (students)

• Category 5:

  • Percussion solo or small ensemble (students)

• Category 6:

  • Piano solo (faculty member)

• Category 7:

  • Instrumental Soloists: any submitted works for solo instrumentalists will be considered (students and faculty members)

Duration:

Submitted works may be of any duration and have been composed at any point in a composer’s career.

Due Date:

July 1, 2026, by 11:59pm Central.

Notification:

Selected composers will be notified via email by August 1, 2026.

Parts:

Final score and parts will be due by August 25, 2026.

Submission:

Composers are encouraged to submit up to two different works. Submissions can be made via email to iowacomposersforum@gmail.com. In your email, please submit the following information and materials:

• Composer name

• Title(s) and year(s) composed

• Brief biography (150 words or less)

• Brief program notes (150 words or less)

• A copy of the score(s)

• An MP3 file or a link to a recording of the work(s) (MIDI realizations are acceptable)

Selection Process:

• Final decisions regarding the selection of pieces for the concert will be decided by the Rolling Hills Chamber Music Festival performers and administrators. Submission to category 2 is not a guarantee that your work will be selected.

• Pieces will be selected based on duration and difficulty.

• Generally, only one piece per composer will be selected, however the festival organizers and ensemble directors reserve the right to program more than one work per composer, if needed.

Feedback:

Feedback will not be given to composers who are not selected for the festival.

Attendance:

Selected composers are required to attend their performance at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. If attending the concert would create a barrier for a composer to participate in the festival, please contact Jonah Elrod (see below).

Point of Contact:

Please contact Jonah if you have any questions: iowacomposersforum@gmail.com.