What it is

This September, TYMN is launching its first statewide event: an open, video-submission challenge for K–12 musicians across Texas. Send a recording of a performance of something you're currently working on, and see where your school lands on the leaderboard.

Outstanding Performer is the only individual recognition given — there's no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place for solo entries. Those placements belong to schools on the leaderboard.

This is TYMN's first official program, run by our founding student team. We hope it will be the first of many events to come!

Fall Kickoff 2026 Opens September 1! Enter Now →
School Standings
Full Leaderboard →
See how to enter →

Format & eligibility

Submission Window September 1 – September 30.
Results Late October.
Format One video recording, submitted virtually. Any instrument.
Eligibility Any K–12 student. Texas and non-Texas students both welcome.
School Rankings Texas schools compete on the leaderboard. Non-Texas students are eligible for Outstanding Performer but don't count toward a school's ranking.
Cost Completely free to enter, no exceptions!

How it works

1

Pick your piece

Something you're already working on with a teacher, in an ensemble, or on your own. It doesn't need to be competition-ready.

2

Record & submit

Play it in one take, then upload the recording along with your school, instrument, and grade level through the entry form.

3

Get evaluated

A panel reviews every entry to select Outstanding Performers and tally school rankings. No public scores — just results, in late October.

Awards

School Awards

The top three schools by leaderboard ranking (RP) receive a wooden plaque and certificate, shipped directly to the school or orchestra director.

  • 1st Place School
  • 2nd Place School
  • 3rd Place School

Individual Awards

A limited number of standout performances — the exact count depends on how many students enter — are named Outstanding Performer and featured on the TYMN website with their name, school, and performance video.

School leaderboard

Every school starts the month at 1000 Rating Points (RP). From there, entering counts, showing up week after week counts more, and drawing from more instrument sections counts most.

Per Submission +100 RP Every video entered adds to the school total.
Outstanding Performer +350 RP Awarded for each student named an Outstanding Performer.
Unique Instrument +50 RP Once per distinct instrument represented.
Weekly Activity +100 RP Any week with at least one submission.
Submission Milestones +100 to +800 RP Hit at 5, 10, 20, and 40 total submissions.

Judging

Every submission is reviewed by a panel of adjudicators before Outstanding Performers are chosen.

Music Educators Working teachers who know what a developing player sounds like.
Experienced Musicians Current and former performers evaluating tone, technique, and musicality.
TMEA Members Official Texas Music Educators Association members, where available.

There's no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd for individuals — just Outstanding Performer recognition for a handful of standout submissions. Everyone else's entry still helps their school climb the board.

Ready to enter?

Submissions open September 1 and close September 30. Fill out the entry form with your recording, school, and instrument, or join our Discord for reminders and updates.