ComMission Possible
Creating real, meaningful connections between ensemble students and composers
“It was so amazing to get the opportunity to share ideas with a real living composer!”
An annual, participatory opportunity for concert bands that explores how a musical idea grows from inspiration to a complete concert performance.
OUR 2027 COMPOSER
Adrian Sims
Adrian B. Sims (b. 2000), born in Seattle, Washington is an accomplished composer, conductor, educator, and trombonist. Adrian’s music has been performed at prestigious conferences such as The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and at new music reading sessions across the country. His music has also been selected for the Bandworld Top 100 List, and many of his works appear on the J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice List.
Adrian has also been selected as a winner in multiple composition competitions including the Maryland Music Educators Association Young Composers Project and the Make Music Young Composers Contest. He is frequently invited to rehearse, conduct, and lead clinics with bands and orchestras across the United States.
Adrian is also active as an educator in the Maryland area and has worked with a variety of programs including the Baltimore County Summer Music Camp, Terrapin Music Camp at the University of Maryland, and the DC Youth Orchestra Programs. You can read more about Adrian and his music here.
17
Commissions
16
Years
20,000+
Students
OUR CONCEPT
The ComMission Possible Project
What happens when you ask young musicians, “If we could commission a composer to write a piece just for us, what would it be about?” That simple question sparked a wave of imagination—and the result was Blue and Green Music by acclaimed composer Samuel Hazo.
Today, the ComMission Possible Project continues to inspire creativity and collaboration among music students nationwide. Participants explore their own creative thoughts while working directly with a renowned composer to bring an original band work to life. One participating school even earns the unforgettable honor of premiering the piece—live, with the composer in attendance!
Discover how your students can be part of this exciting national project and experience the magic of creating new music together.
It is time to latch onto a rising star - the 2027 ComMission Possible composer will be the quickly ascending ADRIAN SIMS! Beyond The Notes has contracted Adrian to write a new GRADE 2 work for band that is due February 1, 2027!
See ComMission Possible project over the years here.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Here’s What You Get!
The "Beyond The Notes Creativity Curriculum" and lesson materials that will lead your students through creative experiences/activities ultimately resulting in them developing a concept for the new composition. A panel of adjudicators will select the top 15 ideas submitted by participating schools for the composer to consider.
Three videos from the composer during different steps of the process. The composer will share initial steps, the concept of the work, answers to student questions, and the final product with rehearsal and performance tips.
Digital copies of the new composition to use with your ensemble.
The name of your school and the music teacher will be listed in the score.
The opportunity to apply to host the composer for a residency and perform the official world-premiere of the new work! If your school is selected, BTN will help defray the costs associated for this amazing experience.
Groups not selected as the world-premiere ensemble will have rights to label their performance as a "Regional Premiere".
There are loads of commission projects. Why do this one?
THE BREAKDOWN
Let’s face it, most commissions have you pay money for the right to have your name in the score. This project goes way beyond that by placing students at the center of the creative process. Students will be asked to explore their own creativity and curiosity, to ask questions, and to make decisions. Participating ensembles will receive the "Beyond The Notes Creativity Curriculum" that invites students to explore their own imaginations while considering a theme or concept that could be used by the composer for the new work.
Along with the other benefits listed above, it is at a price that is hard to beat!
2027 Project Timeline
2025
Oct 30
Registration Opens to become a ComMission Possible Member
2026
April 15
Registration Closes
April 21
Beyond The Notes Creativity Curriculum shared with participating ensembles.
By June 1
Host band selected for one day composer residency and world premiere performance.
Aug 15-Oct 15
Ideas generated by students using materials found in the Beyond The Notes Creativity Curriculum.
Oct 15-Oct 20
BTN panel selects top 15 ideas and host school. Information shared with the composer for consideration.
Nov 20
Composer Interview #1 revealing concept selected/decided for the new composition.
Late Dec
Composer Interview #2 focusing on questions from students.
2027
Feb 1
Composer Interview #3 sharing final work, ideas for rehearsal and performance.
April-June
Composer visit to the selected school for world premiere performance and residency! Schools that did not apply for the world premiere performance or were not selected will have the opportunity to perform the new composition listed as a "regional premiere".
How to Participate
Application Deadline
April 15, 2026
Entry Fee
$150 per ensemble
