Quick look: Orange County high school students can enter the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition by submitting an original song of 250 seconds or less in one of eight genres. Top entries will earn cash prizes and be performed at a countywide July 4 celebration.
Orange County high school students are being called on to showcase their musical talents in a new songwriting contest celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition: Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Through Song is co-hosted by OC Music & Dance, USA 250 Orange County and the Orange County Department of Education. The contest invites students in grades nine through 12 to compose original songs that highlight the founding of the United States as the nation approaches its 250th in 2026.
Songs must run 250 seconds or less — that’s 4 minutes and 10 seconds — in one of eight genres: pop/adult contemporary, rock, hip-hop/rap, country, jazz, R&B/soul, folk or classical. Submissions may be entered individually or by teams of up to three students, with all members actively involved in the songwriting process.
“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this contest is a meaningful way to honor the past while empowering young people to express their hopes for the future,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “We’re proud to help elevate student voice through music, and I’m excited to see how Orange County’s talented high school musicians reflect on the values that continue to shape our democracy.”
The top song in each category will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to be performed live during a countywide July 4 celebration. Winning composers will also have the chance to copyright their work.
“There’s no better way to honor America’s 250th anniversary than through the creativity, talent and spirit of our students,” said Julie Hull, coordinator of OCDE’s GATE and National History Day programs.
Entries must be entirely original and free of copyrighted content, including works created with AI or adapted from existing music.
Submissions are due to OCDE by Nov. 30. More information, including competition rules and guidelines, is available at link.ocde.us/usa-250-oc.