For the finale event at CAMPGround27, CAMP is requesting proposals for new pieces that exclusively or primarily utilize toys as instruments/a medium for sonic production. In addition to a call for proposals for new works, composers can also submit completed and/or premiered works (completed in 2020 or later) for performance consideration, provided these works meet the performance criteria detailed below. ALL SELECTED COMPOSERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE FINALE CONCERT, and ideally attend the entire festival.

PROJECT DIRECTOR: Anthony R. Green

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

• One pianist/toy pianist who can play toys/objects/vocalize (non-singing)

• One toy pianist who can play toys/objects/vocalize (singing and non-singing)

• One professional vocalist and/or amateur vocalist who can play toys/objects/toy piano

• One flute player (piccolo, C flute, alto flute) who can also play objects/toys/vocalize (non-singing)

• One percussionist who can also vocalize (singing/non-singing)

• One string player who can also play objects/toys

INSTRUMENTS

Normal Instruments

• Concert grand piano, one string instrument (violin or cello), one flute (picc., c flute, alto flute)

• Percussion - NO MARIMBA, vibraphone, xylophone, snare, suspended cymbal, various shakers, 2 triangles, various whistles *For percussion instrument inquiries, contact Kevin von Kampen

• One professional female voice and one amateur male voice (tenor or baritone)

• Fixed media audio (this is not a toy!)

Toy instruments

• two toy pianos

• one with the same range as a vibraphone: F3 to F5/37 keys

• one with a lower range: C3 to F4/30 keys

• one 25-key Suzuki Andes recorder keyboard

• one melodica

• wind chimes, sea shells, bells, slide whistles, rubber ducks, rubber chicken, harmonicas/pitch pipes/kazoos, kalimbas, various shakers, wrapping paper, tin foil, bubble wrap, bouncy balls, super ball mallets, a lot of marbles, other balls (tennis balls, koosh balls, golf balls, basketballs, etc …), pots/pans, bottles, cans, slinky (metal or plastic), board games, balloons, radios, toy trucks, animal toys, toy cellular phones, whirly tubes, giggle sticks, key chain soundfx toys, other soundfx toys, toy cups, other toy instruments, inflatable toys, toy calculators, etc …

*The list above is not definitive! If there is a toy you would like to use or bring with you to the festival for the performance, please indicate this clearly in your proposal.

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

• TOYS MUST COMPRISE THE MAJORITY OF THE ENSEMBLE! Therefore, for every non-toy instrument used, 3 TOYS MUST ALSO BE USED. For example, if your ensemble has a violin and a regular piano, then it must also have 6 toys (perhaps the violin also playing a rubber duck and a toy xylophone, and a pianist playing toy piano, balloons, a whirly tube, and a giggle stick).

• Instrumentalists can double on toys, but performers can also play only toys. For example, the ensemble can be: a flute playing C flute, piccolo, and board game sounds; 1 pianist playing piano and toy bells; 1 toy pianist playing toy piano and toy radio; and a percussionist playing a toy truck, a dog toy, and two toy cellular phones. This has two “regular” instruments, eight “toys”, and three players. Narration, fixed media (audio and visual), theatricality and movement, and more are welcome and encouraged! Please consult on fixed-media ideas before submitting your proposal if you would like to incorporate this medium into your new piece.

• For those sending pre-composed works that may fit the criteria above, please indicate whether the CAMP ground performance will be a world premiere, a US premiere, a Florida premiere, or neither. Works for “open ensemble/open duration” will be considered, but preference will be given to works specifically conceived for toys (or mostly toys).

DURATION

• Between 1 minute and 12 minutes.

• A proposal can be a set of miniatures, and perhaps those miniatures will be separated throughout the event.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• ONLY online submission is acceptable.

• A maximum 4-page comprehensive proposal, including the information below

  • Extensive visuals, diagrams, and/or complete tech rider (if applicable)

  • Media or instrument requests

• For pre-composed works

  • Score or other relevant media

• Portfolio of previous works

  • Up to two works, including audio, video, score, or work description if no traditional score exists.

  • The total audio/video should not exceed 10 minutes. If necessary, please select time excerpts of moments the judges should consider in the audio/video files.

  • If sending links to audio or video, PLEASE DO NOT SEND SPOTIFY OR APPLE MUSIC LINKS!

• Please ensure that all links remain accessible until at least March 15, 2027.

SELECTED CREATORS

SELECTED CREATORS

• Selected creators must register for and attend the festival.

• CAMP is NOT responsible for providing or reimbursing travel or lodging expenses for selected participants or their performers.

• Official letters of invitation will be provided upon request to assist participants in obtaining funding from grants or affiliated institutions.

• Selected participants are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of $75 by December 31, 2026, to secure their place in the festival. Failure to submit payment by this deadline will result in the loss of the participant’s spot, and it will be offered to the next applicant on the waitlist.

SELECTED STUDENT CREATORS who are currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs

• Selected student creators must register for and attend the festival.

• Additional official letters of invitation will be provided upon request to assist participants in securing funding from grants or affiliated institutions.

• CAMP offers free housing during the festival for selected student composers currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs.

• Selected student composers are eligible to apply for the CAMP internship (assistant to the Technical Director and Administrative Director), and the registration fee will be waived for interns.

• CAMP is NOT responsible for providing or reimbursing travel or lodging expenses for creators’ own performers.