YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION
The Youth Concerto Competition sponsored by the Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra is open to performers in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas, and will result in a concert in October by the winning soloist performing live with the SCSO.
The competition was developed to inspire young musicians and encourage growth for young musicians in the Santa Clarita Valley. “Having the opportunity to audition and perform a concerto with a live orchestra is an incredible experience that not only helps students grow as musicians, but also strengthens life skills like perseverance, goal-setting, and working under pressure," said Kelvin Flores, Director of Instrumental Music at Valencia High School. "We are incredibly fortunate that our exemplary community has the Santa Clarita Community Orchestra to provide these enriching and life-changing experiences to our rising talent and future superstars.”
Application deadline: June 16, 2024
Audition date: July 14, 2024
Concert performance: October 2024
Educators: Please print our flyer to hang in your studios
When is the deadline to apply?
The application period is from February 24, 2024 to June 16, 2024. Your completed application and permission forms must be received via email by June 16, 2024, or may be mailed with a postmark on or before that date. (See email/address below.)
Who is eligible?
The competition is open to young instrumentalists in three categories: piano, strings, and winds/brass/percussion. Applicants must be in grades 9-12, including those who graduate in spring 2024. While there are no restrictions on residency, applicants must be able to attend rehearsals in Santa Clarita, as directed.
How will the judging work?
Every applicant will be given an assigned audition time via email after all applications have been processed. Applicants should come to the audition prepared to perform their piece for the judges, either with an accompanist (performers must provide their own accompanist) or a recorded accompaniment. (Please provide any specific audio playback needs to be sure we can accommodate it.)
The judges will decide the winners based on those live auditions (no recorded auditions will be accepted).
When is the audition date?
Live auditions will be held on July 14th at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church at 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita.
What should I perform at the audition?
The audition piece should be a work for solo instrument plus orchestra, and should be the piece you intend to perform with the orchestra. Note that the final performed piece will need to be approved by SCSO.
Do I need to perform the entire concerto, or can I play a selection?
The performed piece needs to be no longer than 12 minutes, whether that's the entire concerto or one or two movements; there is no minimum time requirement. At the audition, you may be asked to perform various excerpts from the piece.
Can I play an arranged piece?
The performed piece must be originally written for solo instrument and orchestra; no arrangements of non-orchestral pieces will be accepted.
How many winners will there be?
There will be one winner from each instrumental category, for a total of three performers:
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Piano
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Strings
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Winds/Brass/Percussion
What will the winners receive?
One winner from each of the three instrumental categories will be selected by a panel of judges to perform their concerto with SCSO in October (exact date TBD). Winners will also receive a professional recording of their concert performance and a plaque commemorating the event.
How do I apply?
Complete both the application and permission forms, and email or mail both copies to:
Email: concerto@santaclaritasymphonyorchestra.org
Mail: Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra, 27002 Maple Tree Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91381
For any additional questions, please contact us at:
concerto@santaclaritasymphonyorchestra.org
CONDUCTING WORKSHOPS
SCSO supports local music education through Conducting Workshops led by Dr. Brian Stone. Participants are given the opportunity to conduct a full orchestra and receive master-class level instruction from Dr. Stone.
