The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University will host the 2026 Region IV Conference of the Society of Composers, Inc. on March 20 and 21. The event is free to the public, students, and faculty, featuring performances of new music by selected composers. Sessions include paper presentations, a listening room, and a talk on composer Tui St. George Tucker.
The Society of Composers, Inc. (SCI) is a professional organization focused on promoting, performing, and disseminating new and contemporary music. It supports composers inside and outside academia through national and regional efforts, having sponsored more than 5,000 performances of new works at its conferences. Members access opportunities like competitions and festivals via the SCION database.
This year's Region IV Conference takes place at Appalachian State University's Hayes School of Music. Out of 126 submissions from regional composers, 31 were selected for performance by university ensembles and faculty. The event welcomes attendees free of charge.
On Friday, March 20, registration for composers begins at 7 p.m., followed by Concert 1 at 8 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall. Saturday, March 21, starts with registration at 9 a.m., a paper session at 10 a.m. in Broyhill 214, and Concert 2 at 11 a.m. in Rosen Concert Hall. From noon to 2 p.m., a Dolby Atmos listening room session occurs, then Concert 3 at 2 p.m. in Rosen, Concert 4 at 4 p.m. in Schaffel Recital Hall, and Concert 5 at 7 p.m. in Rosen. The conference closes with a gathering at 8 p.m.
A special session by Dr. Nick Cline will discuss composer Tui St. George Tucker. For inquiries, contact Dr. Andrew Hannon at hannonac@appstate.edu. Full schedules and bios are available online.