Peterborough Concert Band 

Emerging Composers Program

Goals of the Emerging Composers Program: 

The Peterborough Concert Band Emerging Composers Program is a professional development opportunity designed for emerging Canadian composers. During the program, composers will have the opportunity to write a piece for concert band, and receive professional feedback and mentorship from the musicians, and from the artistic and executive members of the ensemble. The Peterborough Concert Band is committed to strengthening Canadian voices, especially emerging talent, and to disseminating their work.

In collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre, the selected composers will also be able to take advantage of the resources made available to associate composers at the Chalmers House in Toronto. Certain resources at the Canadian Music Centre in Toronto, such as the use of instruments or work spaces, can be made available to the composers upon request. 

Previous Participants in the Emerging Composers Program:

"Daybreak Drawn to the Fire" composed by Michelle Lorimer

"Roll For Initiative" composed by Jason Bernard

About the Peterborough Concert Band: 

The Peterborough Concert Band (PCB) is a community band based in Peterborough, Ontario, and is comprised of experienced amateur and semi-professional musicians. Founded in 1858, the PCB is one of Canada's oldest continuously operating concert bands. Today, the band continues the legacy of its forebearers as a vibrant part of Peterborough’s arts community by performing a varied repertoire of popular contemporary music, traditional marches, show tunes, and classical gems at community events, retirement residences, schools, churches and parks in Peterborough and surrounding communities. 

Overview of the Emerging Composers Program:  

The Peterborough Concert Band is inviting emerging Canadian composers to submit a proposal for a new 3-5 minute piece orchestrated for concert band. This short proposal should showcase the ideas/direction the composer intends to take with the piece. The PCB is thrilled to be partnering with the Canadian Music Centre on this program to create a welcoming and positive space for Canadian composers to learn and flourish. 

Two emerging Canadian composers will be selected from the pool of applicants, and each will receive an honorarium of $750 to write one new piece. During the program, the composers will have a 1-hour session with the PCB librarian, Stacey Fletcher, as well as two 1-hour sessions with the PCB’s Music Director and Juno-nominated composer, Saman Shahi. Each composer will also have a workshop reading session with the PCB in Peterborough in the Spring of 2026, and receive feedback from the members of the ensemble and the Music Director. The completed work, including full scores and parts, must be submitted to the PCB no later than May 15th 2026. These works will be premiered during PCB's 2026 concert season. Composers will be expected to introduce their works at the performance either in-person or with a pre-recorded video. 

Eligibility and Responsibilities: 

The Emerging Composers Program is open to any Canadian emerging composer. Composers must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. For the purposes of this program, an emerging composer is someone who has shown some promise in their body of work, but still needs professional opportunities for further development. 

1. The PCB will provide an honorarium of $750 to the two selected composers for writing a 3-5 minute piece for standard concert band. 
2. The PCB cannot provide financial assistance with travel or boarding.  
3. The selected composers must be able to attend the workshop reading session.  
4. The professional development sessions will be done remotely.  
5. Printing of parts and score for the reading and performances will be the PCB's responsibility. 

Timeline: 

1. December 2025 – Call for proposals announced
2. January 15th 2026 – Deadline for proposal submission 5pm EST 
3. January 30th 2026 – Selected composers announced
4. February/March 2026 – Composition of the new works, workshops, PD sessions 
5. April 15th 2026 – Final polished draft submitted for final comments
6. May 15th 2026 – Deadline for submitting the final works to the PCB 

Submission Process:  

Applicants are asked to send the following:

1. A brief (1 page maximum) proposal of the work they would like to create for the PCB.
2. Professional CV/Resume.
3. Two recent scores. At least one of the submitted pieces MUST feature writing for wind instruments. Submitting a work for large-force winds is an asset but not mandatory.
4. Audio/MIDI files are optional. Not submitting an audio file will not jeopardize the application. 
5. The shortlisted composers will be asked to attend a short Zoom interview with members of the selection committee prior to the final decision being reached. 

All applicants are asked to submit using the link here no later than 5pm EST on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.