Young Artists Solo Competition
The NorthWinds Symphonic Band of Kansas City is proud to host its annual solo competition for outstanding young instrumentalists. The winner of the competition will receive a $1,000 scholarship and perform with the NorthWinds Symphonic Band on our annual Spring concert.
We’d deeply appreciate Meyer Music’s generosity in funding our scholarship!
Congratulations to our 2024 Young Artists Solo Competition Winner - Caden Helmer! We are presently working on getting a headshot of him for our page here.
Caden will be performing alongside the NorthWinds Symphonic Band during our 2024 Spring Concert upcoming.
Past winners:
Alex Brady (2022)
Jacob Reuter (2020)
Henry Scamurra (2019)
Cooper Smith (2018)
Gabby Stanley (2017)
Nick Foster (2016)
Adam Lechner (2014)
Chris Kidwell (2012)
Joel Gordon (2011)
Felice Doynov (2010)
Woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists grades 9-12 during the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible. Entries from college applicants will not be accepted.
Application Process:
Repertoire Requirements & List of Solos w/ Band Accompaniment
Recording Requirements
Online Application
Submit online application and audio recording and 2 letters of recommendation by January 24th, 2024.
Please Send all Application Materials (Recommendations and Recording) to Jacob Wilson at jacob.wilson90@gmail.com
Preliminary Screening Round:
All completed applications and recordings will be evaluated by a panel of judges, selected from within the NorthWinds Symphonic Band membership, following the January 24th, 2024 deadline. Notification of application status will be conveyed to all applicants by January 31st, 2024.
Final Live Audition Round:
Finalists will be invited to audition live on Sunday afternoon of February 11th, 2024. This is a mandatory audition. Specific location and times will be sent along with the invitation to audition.
The winner of the live audition will be notified February 12th, 2024. Receiving the award is conditioned upon the winner being available and committed to rehearsal dates and performance date listed below.
Scholarship awards are provided to winners upon completion of their high school education.
TIMELINE:
Application deadline: January 24th, 2024
Finalists announced: January 31st, 2024
Live auditions: February 11th, 2024
Winner announced: February 12th, 2024
Rehearsals with NorthWinds Symphonic Band: April 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th (2024)
Performance: May 5th, 2024
The NorthWinds Symphonic Band Solo Competition committee, the directors, and membership reserve the right to make their selection(s) based on any and all information provided in the applications and/or reference letters. The selection of a clear winner will be contingent upon the unanimous approval of the adjudicating panel.