YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION
COMPLETE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM IN DOWNLOADABLE PDF IS AVAILABLE BY CLICKING THE BUTTON:
This competition is open to student instrumentalists (piano, strings, winds, or percussion) under the age of 19 as of February 18, 2024 and a resident of one of the following Virginia counties: Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, King George, Madison, Orange, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, or Warren (or independent cities within those counties). Current PSO student musicians are eligible to enter. Students who have been a first-place winner in a previous PSO or PRO Young Artist Competition are NOT eligible to enter. Only one application per student is allowed.
Required repertoire: one movement of any instrumental piece composed for solo instrument (piano, strings, winds, or percussion) and orchestra. The piece must be either in the public domain in the United States or available to rent or buy for less than $300. For help in determining if your piece is appropriate, contact Debbie Gilbert at jdgilbert99@gmail.com
Entry deadline: October 10, 2023 11:59PM EST submitted to this dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/UL0WNkw9EtP9qV1ODIZD
To enter, send to the above dropbox link the following:
1. A high-quality audio mp3 file consisting of the required repertoire played by the instrumentalist with piano accompaniment. (Pianists are not required to play with piano accompaniment.) Only mp3 recordings will be accepted. DO NOT send a video recording.
2. A completed pdf file containing the audition form and the photo/video release form.
3. Label the pdf file and your mp3 recording with your first and last names. This will be edited before sending to our judges.
4. Send your $35.00 non-refundable audition fee to the PayPal link posted below.
Audition process:
1. Preliminary round. Audio mp3 files will be evaluated, and semi-finalists will be chosen. Semi-finalists will be notified by November 1, 2023.
2. Semi-final round. Semi-finalists will perform the required repertoire, with accompanist, before a panel of judges November 18, 2023. Each semi-finalist must provide his/her own accompanist (except for pianists). Three finalists will be chosen from this audition.
3. Final round. The final round will be held as a live performance with the PSO Orchestra at the February 18, 2024 concert. The concert will be held at Highland’s Center for the Arts, Warrenton, VA. A panel of judges will evaluate the finalists at the February 18 3:00PM concert and award first, second and third place prizes.
First Place Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000.00 scholarship prize.
Second Place Winner will receive $1,500.00 scholarship prize.
Third Place Winner will receive $1,000.00 scholarship prize.
Scholarship money will be paid by the PSO directly to the winner or a valid non-profit organization as defined by the IRS provided the funds are used to further the winner’s education. Winners are responsible for notifying PSO of the address where the check should be sent. If the PSO is not provided this information by July 31st of the year of award, a check will be issued to the winner directly. Please see IRS Topic No. 421 on scholarships for information on tax filing.
For additional information, contact Debbie Gilbert by email at jdgilbert99@gmail.com
STUDENT VISUAL ART CONTEST
OFFICIAL ART CONTEST ENTRY FORMS COMING SOON!
MUSIC MENTORING PROGRAM
The Piedmont Symphony Orchestra authored a new Educational/Outreach program designed for Middle and High School students enrolled in Public or Private music programs in Fauquier County, VA. The PSO Music Mentors residency program aims to directly support the music teachers and programs of the county, by offering hands-on visiting residencies to their programs. This program was limited to Strings programs only for its first four years. In 2018, the program was expanded to the Band programs in the county through an Educational Partnership with George Etheridge and his team of clinicians from around the metropolitan area. Our seasoned Clinicians build positive mentoring relationships with students, and encourage their progress along the way.
We are now in the process of redesigning this program and will be announcing its exciting recreation soon!