Congratulations to our 2026 Barbara Buehlman Prize for Composition Winner, Tyler S. Grant, for his piece Simple Suite for Band
Tyler S. Grant is an internationally recognized composer, arranger, conductor, and clinician of music for concert bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles of all levels hailing from Smyrna, GA. His music is featured regularly in performances by both region and all state honor ensembles and is also featured annually on Editor’s or Publisher’s Choice Repertoire Lists around the world.
Since 2010, Tyler has regularly accepted commissions for new works and produced new publications for bands and orchestras each year. He credits his mentor Brian Balmages as pivotal to his success as a composer. Notable performance venues of his works include The Midwest Clinic, Carnegie Hall, Music for All’s National Concert Band Festival, the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bands of America Grand Nationals, and numerous state-wide, national, and international music conferences and conventions.
In addition to composing and arranging, Tyler enjoys conducting and clinic engagements with ensembles throughout the United States. He has served as a clinician with over 150 school instrumental music programs and honor groups across more than 25 states. Tyler was a contributing author for Alfred Music Publishing Company’s Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development series and has contributed interviews to numerous podcasts and articles including School Band & Orchestra Magazine and The Instrumentalist. Notable conducting venues include The Midwest Clinic and all-state bands in Nebraska, Oregon, Alabama, Louisiana, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Tyler is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education and studied conducting with Professor Randall Coleman. Before becoming a full-time composer and arranger, Tyler served as the Director of Bands at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School from 2019-2023. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and maintains an active composing and conducting schedule. His published works are available through The FJH Music Company, Inc., Alfred/MakeMusic Publications, and Tyler S. Grant Music Works, LLC.
2026 Honorable Mentions
Samuel Adachi (Greensboro, NC): We Shape the Future
Carlos Lalonde (East Lansing, MI): Electric Jubilee
This year's contest saw 50+ entries of new compositions for middle school wind bands. Thank you to our adjudicators for their incredible work in selecting this year's winner and honorable mentions: Michael Sweeney, Robert Herrings, and Jennifer Compton.
2027 Barbara Buehlman Prize for Composition
Applications for the 2027 Prize are open now and are due January 15, 2027.
This year, the prize will be awarded for a work created for high school wind band. The purpose of the competition is to encourage and support young composers in crafting works for high school and middle school bands by providing a national venue for performance and recognition. In addition to a $3,000 award, the winning composition will be premiered at the 81st Midwest Clinic in December 2027.
SUBMIT COMPOSITION
Contest Details
- Composers should submit a composition appropriate for a high school wind band, no longer than 6 minutes. No compositions exceeding the maximum duration will be considered.
- Compositions must be completed by one composer. Group compositions will not be accepted.
- Composers must be 34 years of age or younger (birthday on or after 1/1/1993).
- Compositions must not have been published or publicly performed.
- Composers from groups under-represented in music publishing are encouraged to enter.
- In order to provide recognition for emerging talent, Composers who have published more than three compositions for wind band will not be eligible to submit entries.
- Composers must submit scores electronically.
- Synthesized recordings are permissible if no live recording is available.
- The deadline to submit a composition for consideration is January 15, 2027.
- Winning compositions will be announced in mid-March 2027.
- Submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of nationally-recognized composers and conductors.
- Midwest Premiere will be awarded to an ensemble selected to perform at the 2027 Midwest Clinic.
Learn about Barbara Buehlman
Thank you to our 2027 Prize Sponsor
