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2007 Ninth Biennial NBA/Merrill James Memorial
Young Composers Band Composition Contest

The NBA/ Merrill Jones Memorial Young Composers Band Composition contest was established in 1991 as a memorial to Merrill Jones, co-owner of Wingert-Jones Music Company, by his widow, Priscilla Jones. Mr. Jones always was concerned about helping the young composer. NBA past president Bob Foster suggested a young composer contest, which would promote works for young bands. The result was a contest for composers under 40 years of age to be held every other year, now in the odd numbered years, and which would produce works for concert band in the Grade III-IV category. Works must not to exceed 8 minutes in length, must be the original work of the composer, and not under contract to any publisher. Deadline for submission is November 1st in odd numbered years. Wingert-Jones reserves the right of first refusal for publication. The current prize to the winner is $2000.

The contest is now in the 9th Biennium and the winner is announced at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago following a meeting of the contest committee chaired by NBA past president Frank Wickes. 

Information may be attained from the NBA office or from the committee chair at wickes@lsu.edu

Merrill Jones Composition Contest Application

Past Winners of the Merrill Jones Composition Contest

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Members of the selection committee are: 

Frank B. Wickes, Chairman
Director of Bands
292 Band Hall
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA  70803

Dr. Scott Weiss
Director of Bands
University of Kansas
124 Murphy Hall
1530 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, Kansas  66045 

Mickey Stisher
Director of Bands
LaPorte High School
602 F Street
LaPorte, Indiana  46350

Dennis Zeisler
Director of Bands
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA  23529

A.G. McGrannahan
Director of Bands
University of Nevada/Reno
Department of Music
Reno, NV  89557

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