CASH PRIZE OF $10,000
The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) and John Philip Sousa Foundation are proud to announce the 66th Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest. Since 1956, this composition contest has stimulated the creation of many important new compositions for concert band and is responsible for more original band music than any other competition of its kind.
The Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Committee consists of ABA members who screen and judge the entries according to the rules listed below.
The winning composition will be performed at the 2027 American Bandmasters Association Convention, which will be held in Kansas City, February 23-27, 2027.
2026 CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please check back April 1, 2026.