FWCO Carol Competition

Open to all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students, this contest gives young aspiring composers and songwriters an opportunity to write a seasonal carol, have it professionally orchestrated for full orchestra and choir, and then hear it performed in concert as our guest at our annual Teddy Bear concert. At this concert the winning students and their teachers will be recognized. Last year's second-place entry had two carols combined into one arrangement for full orchestra.

The Arlington News Network wrote about the winner's of the 2011 Carol Competition. And Dallas Park Elementary's music teacher got an award from Crowley ISD this month for accomplishments that included guiding her two students’ carol entries (district announcement here).

The carol should be seasonal in nature, having a theme based in Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year, general holiday, but should be pertinent to the Holidays associated with Winter break. It can be composed by an individual student, a group, or a class of students. Teacher help is acceptable in the refinement and charting of the song but the melodies and lyrics are to be originated by the students. Remember, this is going to be orchestrated for full orchestra, more than one verse is encouraged. Judging will be based on the melody and the lyrics.  

Entries are due each fall, generally around mid-October. Minimum requirements for submission are a charted melody line with words written under the music in song form indicating the fit of the lyrics with the melody. The entry package should also include a submission form for each carol submitted and identifying information on each sheet of paper included in the submitted package. All winning submittals, as well as the finished, orchestrated works, will become the property of the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra.

FWCO Carol Competition Examples

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