UMD School of Music Launches Competition to Write Lyrics to State Song

The University of Maryland School of Music in the College of Arts and Humanities is launching a university-wide competition that invites UMD students to write lyrics to the tune of the state song “Maryland, My Maryland.” The competition asks students to craft lyrics that express the pride they feel for the State of Maryland.

“We are excited to engage students on a topic that elicits such strong feelings,” said Jason Geary, director of the University of Maryland School of Music. “This competition allows us to harness the creativity and talent of our students while compelling them to reflect on the vital relationship between the university and the state as a whole.”

As part of UMD’s ongoing efforts to reaffirm its values as a campus community, the university is assessing the songs that are performed at Intercollegiate Athletic events and has suspended the performance of "Maryland, My Maryland.” This competition will allow students to contribute lyrics that demonstrate their pride in the State of Maryland and are consistent with the values of our institution.

All undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at UMD are eligible to submit song lyrics, and co-authored lyrics will be accepted. The lyrics must be based on the song’s existing melody, which is taken from the folk song widely known as “O Tannenbaum” or, in English, “O Christmas Tree.” The state song currently has nine verses, and the winning submission must have lyrics consisting of at least one verse.

Submissions will be reviewed by a committee made up of students, faculty and staff. The School of Music has received funds from the university to provide an award of $1,500 for first-prize, $750 for second and $500 for third. Winners will be announced in early December.

Submissions are due by Monday, November 20, 2017 and must be submitted at apply.arhu.umd.edu/lyricscompetition. Competition frequently asked questions can be found at go.umd.edu/lyricscompetition.