MuseScore, a free and open source-music writing/arranging software, is bringing some holiday cheer into the marching arts this December by hosting a music arranging competition for drum corps fans and participants on the site's public forum!

If you fit these three simple requirements, you have until Dec. 20 to submit your arrangements in the forums section of MuseScore's website:

1. Be a member of the 'Drum Corps International' Group on MuseScore.

2. You must post your arrangement in the group.

3. You must submit it before Dec. 20, 2017.

The contest is split into two age groups (over 18 and under 18), making this a great opportunity for young arrangers to get some feedback and also socialize with other arrangers within the activity.

World-renowned marching arts composer and arranger Key Poulan will judge the submissions. He described the contest as "a fun and exciting idea to have people explore their creativity in this manner." 

The prompt on the website clarifies: "It is also important to mention that it is not necessarily the best arrangement that can win, but the most interesting or unique (not necessarily technically the best) can be chosen."

Part of what makes this contest a particularly interesting opportunity is the sheer openness of the entry requirements. 

Poulan told us what he will be looking for in a winning arrangement. "

It’s a blue sky concept... and that should mean the door is open for just about anything," he said. "I honestly don't want to place any limitations other than it should be playable by a top 12 drum corps."

He went on to explain: "Maybe it’s a take on an arrangement in a different style, unique chord substitutions, clever time signatures with an amazing feel."

Should your arrangement be picked by Poulan to win the competition for your category, you could have the opportunity to earn the following prizes:

First Place:

DCI 2017 Blu-Ray Deluxe Bundle, including the top 12 finalists from the 2017 Drum Corps International World Championships!

Second Place:

2 tickets to any DCI show in 2018 (except Finals)

Third Place:

DCI sweatshirt (or from the drum corps of your choice)