YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION
The Youth Concerto Competition sponsored by Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra is open to performers in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas, and will result in a concert in Spring 2026 by the winning soloists performing live with the SCSO.
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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: November 2, 2025
Live judging: November 15, 2025
Concert performance: Spring 2026
Concert location: Canyon HS Performing Arts Center
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Educators: Please print our flyer to hang in your studios
When is the deadline to apply?
The application period is from May 15, 2025 to November 2, 2025. Your completed application and permission forms must be received via email or postmarked by that date. (See email/address below.)
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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 December 2025. While there are no restrictions on residency, applicants must be able to attend rehearsals in Santa Clarita, as directed.
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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.)
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The judges will decide the winners based on those live auditions (no recorded auditions will be accepted).
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When is the audition date?
Live auditions will be held on November 15th in Santa Clarita.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 spring (exact date TBD). Winners will also receive a professional recording of their concert performance and a plaque commemorating the event.
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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
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