About the Program

SCORE is a new funded residency program supporting collaboration between student composers and NDSU performance ensembles. Selected composers will be paired with participating ensembles, attend rehearsals, work directly with directors and performers, and develop a new work tailored to the ensemble’s instrumentation and artistic goals.

Each residency will culminate in the public premiere of a new student composition during a regular NDSU ensemble concert in Spring 2027. The program is funded through the NDSU Foundation’s Centennial Endowment Grant Program.

At a Glance

  • 2–3 student composers selected
  • $900 composer fee
  • Paired with NDSU ensembles
  • Spring 2027 premieres
  • Workshop/masterclass with guest composer or clinician

Participating Ensembles

Final ensemble placements will depend on student applications, instrumentation, and ensemble availability. Ensembles and groups that have expressed interest include:

  • Trombone Choir
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Clarinet Choir


Application Process

Applicants must be current NDSU students studying composition through applied lessons, composition coursework, the Composition Minor, or the BMus Composition degree.

  • Brief statement of interest
  • 1–2 representative scores or recordings
  • Preferred ensemble types or instrumentation
  • Short description of proposed creative interests
  • Faculty reference or instructor confirmation, if requested

Applications will be reviewed based on readiness for ensemble collaboration, clarity of creative goals, feasibility of the proposed work, and fit with available ensembles.

Call for Scores

Call for Scores and Application

Program Timeline

September–October 2026
Announcement of SCORE program and composer application process.

October 2026
Selection of participating composers and ensemble placements.

October 2026–February 2027
Residency collaboration, rehearsal attendance, and composition development.

March–April 2027
Rehearsals and premiere performances during ensemble concerts.

April–May 2027
Recording preparation, documentation, and archival materials.

Program Documents