Reno Pops Orchestra — Composer’s Showcase Call for Scores (2026–27 season)

Reno Pops Orchestra is looking for original orchestral music to programme in its 2026-27 season, and this call is unusually clear about what it wants: pops repertoire that works for a mixed audience, families and children included. Scoring should be for full symphonic forces, and pieces should run no longer than 13 minutes — longer works may not be performed in their entirety. The orchestra suggests themes rather than requiring them; for this round they include ocean and high-seas adventure, tall tales and legends, December holiday music (they specifically mention 2-3 octave handbell ensemble with orchestra), and musical mysteries or escape-room plots that could involve a narrator, actors or singers.

Anyone can enter — composers, students and community members alike, with no stated age or residency limit. Entry costs $20 per submission, waived if you live or work in the Northern Nevada / Northern California region. You upload a legible full score (not individual parts) and either a sound file or a link to one, then pay by PayPal or card. Submission is through a Google form.

The winner receives a small honorarium — the amount is not published — and a live performance in the 2026-27 season. Finalists are notified by 1 September 2026 and are then asked to supply individual orchestra parts for a final screening.