About

Founded in 2022, the Young Composer Initiative (YCI) was created to give the next generation of composers an opportunity to make their voices heard.

Inspiration

The Young Composer Initiative aims to inspire young composers to explore their creativity by writing original music for concert bands. By fostering new compositions, we not only enrich the ensemble's repertoire but also celebrate the diversity of voices and styles in the music community.

Guidance

All YCI participants have the opportunity to meet and connect with veteran composers as part of the New Mexico State University Bands Composer Residency Program.

Past Resident Composers

Impact

As a YCI Winner, you will receive a premiere performance of your work along with a recording of the concert so you can make a bigger impact with your music. All selected YCI participants receive:Travel and lodging to Las Cruces, New Mexico as a guest artist, a $500 Honorarium, a premiere performance live recording, and recognition in the concert program.

YCI participants will also receive the opportunity to self-publish (registration fee waived) with J.W. Pepper through their My Score platform thus allowing their music to be promoted to a larger audience.

My Score Self-Publishing by J.W. Pepper

Dr. Michael W. Mapp, Director of Bands at New Mexico State University, created the YCI in 2022 as a partner endeavor to the Composer Residency Program that he began in 2021.

Bio