Harmonium Choral Society invites NJ high school students to submit an original choral compositions to its 29th annual Choral Composition Contest by the March 16, 2026 deadline.
Entrants must create an original four-part choral composition setting to music a text on the theme Ride the Storm from a selection of writings and poems provided on our website at the link below. The SATB choral piece can be in any style or genre, a cappella or with piano accompaniment, and under 5 minutes. This contest is open to high school students who are New Jersey residents or attend high school in New Jersey. Over the years, young composers from across the state have entered, and students from every grade level, freshman through senior, have won. In addition to a cash prize of $1000, the winning composition will be performed by the 100-voice Harmonium Choral Society at its June 2026 concerts.
Artistic Director Dr. Anne Matlack says, "The student composition winners are always the highlight of our June concert. We will be offering a free Zoom session for high school students with composer Elizabeth Alexander on January 26, 2026, so register now to receive the link. We strive to encourage the next generation of composers, and I urge you to submit a composition even if you are new to this or it is short. Check out the required texts from our founding fathers and wonderful poets found on our website.”
A panel of professional composers and musicians will judge each composition, and provide every student with valuable, constructive feedback. The winner earns a $1,000 prize and a premiere performance of their work by Harmonium at its June 6 and 7, 2026 concerts at the Morristown United Methodist Church.
Find contest details, registration, required text, and tips from the judges online here.
Funding has been made possible in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and the NJ Cultural Trust.
Harmonium Choral Society is one of New Jersey's leading choral arts organizations, the 100-voice chorus is directed by Dr. Anne Matlack and based in Morris County. Harmonium is widely recognized for its eclectic
programming, choral excellence, and community spirit. To advance the choral arts, Harmonium has commissioned new works and has sponsored a high school composition contest for more than twenty-five years. This innovative program won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award. A subset of the chorus performs in schools and senior living facilities.
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