Merrill Jones Composition Contest Committee
Sponsored by Wingert-Jones and the University of Kansas

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 Robert (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 held every two years unless no winner is chosen. In this event, the contest is held the following year.

The winner is announced at the NBA General Membership Meeting at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago following a meeting of the contest committee. The contest committed is chaired by NBA member Dennnis Zeisler.

Information may be attained from the NBA office.

Past Winners of the Merrill Jones Composition Contest

Dennis Zeisler, Chairman
Old Dominion University (VA)