2026 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 deeply appreciate Meyer Music’s generosity in funding our scholarship!
Past winners:
Kayla Nelson (2025)
Caden Helmer (2024)
Alex Brady (2023)
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 2025-2026 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 21st, 2026.
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 21st, 2025 deadline. Notification of application status will be conveyed to all applicants by January 28th, 2026.
Final Live Audition Round:
Finalists will be invited to audition live on Sunday afternoon of February 15th, 2026. 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 16th, 2026. 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: Wed, January 21st, 2026
Finalists announced: Wed, January 28th, 2026
Live auditions: Sun, February 15th, 2026
Winner announced: Mon, February 16th, 2026
Sunday Rehearsals with the NorthWinds Symphonic Band: March 22nd & 29th; April 12th & 19th (2026)
Performance: Sun, April 26th, 2026
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.