Miles Davis Centennial Arranging Contest

Official MIles Davis Compositions Eligible To Arrange

Select the tune you wish to arrange from the official list below. Click the tune’s title for official Copyright information to add to your score/parts and to upload your arrangement to your ArrangeMe account.

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS CONTEST IS INTENDED FOR PLAY IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY AND WILL BE GOVERNED BY U.S. LAW. DO NOT ENTER IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE AND LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE TIME OF ENTRY.

By entering the Miles Davis Centennial Arranging Contest (the “Contest”), you agree to these Official Rules.

1. Eligibility

   The Contest is open to:

   • Legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia
   • Who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry
   • And who are current ArrangeMe account holders in good standing, acting as band directors, ensemble leaders, or individual arrangers

   Employees, officers, and directors of Hal Leonard LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., the Miles Davis Properties, LLC, and their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and immediate family/household members of any such persons (whether related or not) are not eligible to enter or win.

   The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited. Participation constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and to Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

2. Sponsor

   The Contest is sponsored by Hal Leonard LLC, in collaboration with Reservoir Media Management, Inc. and the Miles Davis Properties, LLC (“Sponsor”).

3. Contest Period

   The Contest will be announced in April, 2026. The entry period begins upon announcement and ends on May 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time (Miles Davis’s 100th birthday) (the “Contest Period”).

   All entries must be fully submitted and published by the end of the Contest Period to be valid. Entries received before or after the Contest Period will not be considered.

4. Categories and Divisions

   Entrants may submit one (1) arrangement in one (1) of the following categories and divisions:

   • Large Ensemble, 10+ Performers (Jazz Ensemble, Big Band, etc.) for either:
     • Middle School / High School (Levels 2–3)
     • Advanced High School / College (Levels 4–5)
   • Small Ensemble, 5-9 Performers (Jazz Combo, Quintet, etc.) for either:
     • Middle School / High School (Levels 2–3)
     • Advanced High School / College (Levels 4–5)

   Limit: one (1) entry per ArrangeMe account for the entire Contest Period. You may not enter multiple categories or divisions.

   Sponsor reserves the right to verify the appropriate division and to adjust category placement if necessary.

5. How to Enter

   During the Contest Period, you must complete all of the following steps to receive one (1) entry (“Entry”) in the Contest:

   1. Select an approved Miles Davis composition
      • Choose one (1) composition from the official list of Miles Davis–written works designated for this Contest (the “Approved Song List”). This list will be available through ArrangeMe Song Search for Contest participants.
   2. Create a new arrangement
      • Create a newly written arrangement of the selected Miles Davis composition specifically for this Contest.
      • The arrangement must be first published in 2026 and must not be a re-use or re-issue of a previously published or publicly released version.
      • Score the arrangement for either:
        • Jazz Ensemble/Big Band (Large Ensemble category), or
        • Jazz Combo (e.g., quintet, sextet) (Small Ensemble category)
      • Ensure the difficulty level is appropriate for your chosen division (2–3 or 4–5).
   3. Prepare your score, parts, and metadata
      • Create a complete score and individual parts suitable for digital publication.
      • When you publish on ArrangeMe, include accurate metadata, including:
        • Title and composer
        • Your name as arranger
        • Instrumentation and difficulty level
        • Correct arrangement type/format tags
        • A clear, informative description
   4. Create an audio demonstration
      • Produce a full-length audio demo that represents the entire arrangement.
      • MIDI/notation playback is acceptable; live or studio recordings are also allowed.
      • Host the audio via a publicly accessible or unlisted streaming link (for example, YouTube).
   5. Publish your arrangement on ArrangeMe
      • Publish your arrangement on ArrangeMe on or before May 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time.
      • Include any Contest-specific metadata or tag provided (for example, "Miles100") so that Sponsor can identify your entry.
   6. Complete the online Contest entry form
      • Fill out the official Contest submission form (for example, a Google Form) by the deadline, providing:
        • Your name and contact information
        • Your ArrangeMe seller/author ID
        • The category and division you are entering
        • The ArrangeMe product link to your arrangement
        • The audio demo link

   Individuals who do not follow all of the instructions, fail to provide required information, or do not abide by these Official Rules may be disqualified. Limit: one (1) Entry per ArrangeMe account. Automated entries are prohibited.

6. Entry Requirements

   By submitting an Entry, you represent and warrant that:

   • Your arrangement is your own original arranging work, created specifically for this Contest, based on one (1) or more of the available composition(s) from the Approved Song List (medleys are permitted).
   • Your arrangement has not been previously published, commercially released, or entered into another contest in substantially the same form.
   • You have complied with all ArrangeMe terms and conditions and all licensing requirements for use of the underlying Miles Davis composition as administered by Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe.
   • Your Entry (including score, parts, audio, description, and any other materials) does not infringe upon or violate any rights of any third party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other proprietary rights.
   • Your Entry does not contain material that is defamatory, obscene, hateful, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate, and does not violate any law.

   Sponsor reserves the right to remove or disqualify any Entry that, in Sponsor’s sole discretion, does not comply with these requirements or the spirit of the Contest.

7. Judging

   All eligible Entries will be evaluated; there is no public voting component.

   Round 1 – Preliminary Judging

   Following the end of the Contest Period, all eligible Entries will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges (the “Judging Panel”), which may include jazz educators, composers, arrangers, and other industry professionals.

   Entries will be judged within their respective category and division using the official Miles Davis Centennial Arranging Contest Scoring Rubric, a five-category, 1-5 point scale (25 points possible). The five scored categories are:

   • Concept & Stylistic Voice — originality, jazz identity, and coherence of artistic intent
   • Melody Treatment & Harmonic Imagination — imaginative yet logical handling of melodic material and reharmonization
   • Ensemble Texture, Color, and Balance — effective use of instrumentation, register, and blend
   • Form, Flow, and Use of Space — narrative structure, pacing, transitions, and expressive use of silence
   • Score & Parts, Clarity, and Playability — notational accuracy, idiomatic ranges, and rehearsal-readiness

   Judges may also provide written comments (non-scored) on “Miles-Inspired Elements,” including: use of space, contrast, and understatement; modal or coloristic harmonic language; subtle use of timbre (mutes, textures, dynamics); and risk-taking that serves the music.

   The Judging Panel will select a group of finalists in each category and division based on overall scores and qualitative assessments.

   Round 2 – Final Judging

   Finalist Entries will then be reviewed by a smaller panel that may include representatives of the Miles Davis Properties, LLC, Reservoir, and additional invited artists, along with Round 1 judges.

   This panel will select:

   • One (1) Winner for each category and division; and
   • One (1) or more Finalists/Runner-up entries for each category and division.

   In the event of a tie, Sponsor may appoint an additional judge or apply tie-breaking criteria (for example, the highest score in Concept & Stylistic Voice) at its sole discretion. Sponsor’s decisions regarding judging and winners are final and binding.

8. Prizes

   Seven (7) or more prize packages are anticipated, including Winners and Finalists/Runner-up in each category and division. Specific prizes are subject to change but may include:

   Winners (each category & division)

   • High-quality reading and/or recording opportunity
     • A performance or studio-style reading and/or recording of the winning arrangement by a featured ensemble (for example, a major university jazz ensemble or small group), subject to scheduling and approval
   • Miles Davis Centennial print collection
     • A curated selection of Hal Leonard Miles Davis publications (e.g., transcribed score collections and commemorative editions), subject to availability.
   • Miles Davis Centennial prize pack
     • A selection of official Miles Davis merchandise or commemorative items.
   • Promotion and visibility
     • Featured placement in Hal Leonard and ArrangeMe marketing, including Fall 2026 instrumental promotions, newsletters, social media posts, and/or web features.
   • ArrangeMe Pro
     • One (1) year free ArrangeMe Pro membership or an equivalent ArrangeMe promotional benefit.

   Hal Leonard / ArrangeMe reserves the right in its sole discretion to change any and all prizes for all categories and divisions.

   Finalists/Runner-up (each category & division)

   • Inclusion in Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe Fall 2026 promotional features.
   • Miles Davis Centennial prize pack (items may differ from Winner package).
   • One (1) year free ArrangeMe Pro membership or equivalent ArrangeMe promotional benefit.

   Limit: one (1) prize package per Entry. Prizes are non-transferable and may not be substituted or redeemed for cash, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion or as required by law. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any prize (or portion thereof) with another prize of equal or greater value if necessary.

   All federal, state, and local taxes and any other costs and expenses associated with acceptance and use of a prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.

9. Winner Notification

   Potential Winners and Finalists/Runner-up will be notified by August 2026 via the email address or contact information provided on the Contest submission form or associated with their ArrangeMe account.

   Potential Winners/Finalists/Runner-up may be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility, a liability/publicity release (where legal), and any other documentation reasonably required by Sponsor within the timeframe specified in the notification. Failure to respond, failure to provide required documents, or non-compliance with these Official Rules may result in disqualification, and Sponsor may select an alternate winner.

   Sponsor is not responsible for any change in entrant’s email address, mailing address, or other contact information.

10. Rights in Entries

    The underlying Miles Davis compositions are owned or controlled by Reservoir and/or the Miles Davis Properties, LLC. Your arrangement is created and published under the non-exclusive self-publishing framework of ArrangeMe.

    By submitting an Entry, you:

    • Acknowledge that your arrangement will be published through ArrangeMe and that any royalties from eligible sales will be governed by the standard ArrangeMe terms and conditions.
    • Grant Sponsor, Reservoir, the Miles Davis Properties, LLC, and their designees a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to use, reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, display, adapt, and promote your arrangement and Entry materials (including your name and likeness) in connection with the Contest and related promotional activities, in any media now known or later developed, without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.

    Nothing in these Official Rules transfers ownership of your arranging copyright beyond the rights granted under ArrangeMe and the promotional license described above.

11. Release and Limitation of Liability

    By participating, you agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, Reservoir, the Miles Davis Properties, LLC, and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, and officers, directors, employees, and agents (collectively, “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to:
    (a) unauthorized human intervention;
    (b) technical errors;
    (c) printing, typographical, or transmission errors;
    (d) late, lost, or misdirected communications; and
    (e) any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property, including death, that may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by your participation or receipt or use of any prize.

    To the fullest extent permitted by law, in no event shall Released Parties be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages.

12. General Conditions

    Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, suspend, or modify the Contest, or any part of it, if fraud, technical failures, or any other factor impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Contest, or if the Contest cannot be conducted as planned.

    Sponsor also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process, acting in violation of these Official Rules, or acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.

    Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

13. Governing Law

    The Contest and these Official Rules are governed by the laws of the state in which Sponsor is headquartered, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes that are not otherwise resolved will be brought in the appropriate state or federal courts within that jurisdiction, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

14. Privacy

    Information collected from entrants will be used in accordance with Sponsor’s applicable privacy policies and practices and, where relevant, ArrangeMe and Hal Leonard’s standard account and transaction practices. By entering, you consent to the use of your personal information for the administration of the Contest and for prize fulfillment.

15. Winners List

    After Winners/Finalists/Runner-up are announced, Sponsor may post the names and/or ArrangeMe profiles of winners and finalists on official websites and social media channels. A winners list may also be made available upon written request to Sponsor at the address specified in Contest communications, received by the deadline indicated there.

Scoring Rubric

Five Categories • 1 - 5 Scale • 25 Points Possible

Category 1 - Concept & Stylistic Voice

Category 2 - Melody Treatment & Harmonic Imagination

Category 3 - Ensemble Texture, Color, and Balance

Category 4 - Form, Flow, and Use of Space

Category 5 - Score & Parts, Clarity, and Playability

Non-scored "Miles-Inspired Elements" (Comment Only)

You can put this as a short comment box under the table on your form:

• Use of space, contrast, and understatement.
• Modal or coloristic harmonic language.
• Subtle use of timbre (mutes, textures, dynamics).
• Risk-taking that serves the music.

Official Entry Form