Illinois State University is looking for a few good songwriters. If you have a knack for putting words and music together, your work may become part of University tradition. A music competition is being held to choose a new school song to commemorate Illinois State’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Alumni, students and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to submit entries for the new University Song. The competition winner will receive $5,000.
The winning song will debut on February 15, 2007 at Founders Day and will be featured during 150th Anniversary Celebration ceremonies and events throughout the year.
The new University Song should commemorate Illinois State’s history, capture the spirit of the University today and project a vision for the future. The lyrics and the melody should be positive and upbeat, easy to sing and appropriate for Illinois State’s traditional events such as Founders Day and Commencement.
Grab a pen, some paper and perhaps some talented friends. Contest entries must have original words and music and may be the work of one person or the result of a collaborative effort, with at least one member having an Illinois State affiliation. Contest entrants must submit a piano vocal score. One verse is recommended, however two verses are acceptable. An additional four-part harmony version is recommended but not required.
The winning song will be chosen through blind judging by a panel of faculty, staff, alumni and students. The copyright to the song will belong to Illinois State University.
Jim Major, Director, School of Music, may be contacted with questions regarding the musical requirements of the competition: (309) 438-7631 or jmajor@ilstu.edu
Juliana Rusher, University Advancement-Events, may be contacted for more information regarding the competition process: (309) 438-7681 or jerushe@ilstu.edu
Entries for the University Song Competition should be submitted by Sept. 15, 2006, to: University Song Committee:
Juliana Rusher
3200 University Advancement
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-3200
Get your musical imagination working. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll be singing your song.
