Big Band Arranging Contest!
The Odyssey Needs Custom Tunes!
Are you a local arranger who’s looking for a band to play your charts? You’re in luck!
The Odyssey Big Band is looking for talented arrangers and composers to submit Custom Arrangements tailored to our needs.
Winners will receive a high quality recording of their arrangement, social media presence, Odyssey Bands merch, and free sheet music publication on odysseybands.org.
Submissions are due by midnight on April 30th, 2025. Submit Here.
Winners will be selected based on how well they meet the bands needs (provided below) and quality of arrangement or composition.
Arrangement or Composition Expectations
Your arrangement must be high in quality and provide realistic use to the band, this means, things that the band might want to play at any event we are hired for. This includes high class settings, as well as large bombastic settings. We need music that the general public can learn to gain an appreciation for. If you’re unsure your arrangement or composition is up to our expectations please reach out! The arrangement must also cater to the bands strengths (instrumentation below). Length around 3-5 minutes.
Instrumentation
Vocalists: Baritone/Soprano Solo or Duet.
Saxophones: 2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone, doubling is encouraged (see below).
Trombones: 3 tenor trombones, 2 bass trombones
Trumpets: 5 trumpets, Lead trumpet up to Double D.
Upright or Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano
Drumset
1 Aux Percussionist (vibraphone keyboard patch, bongos, claves etc.)
Doubling Options: Any saxophone doublings please provide options to play the part without the specified double. Altos 1 and 2 double flute. Tenor 1 doubles flute, piccolo, clarinet, soprano and alto sax. Tenor 2 doubles piccolo and flute. Bari does not double.
Brass Mutes: Trombones may have to use a stand to substitute for a mute, but may have a cup or straight available. All trumpets have buckets, straights, cups, harmons and plungers available to use.
FAQ’s:
– How many submissions can I have?
You may submit as many arrangements as you would like, just be sure whatever you submit is quality work.
– Can I write an original or does it have to be an arrangement?
For this years contest, you may submit an arrangement or an original composition! Next year will only be arrangments.
Any further questions please direct to DMs on Instagram or text 801-410-3073