2026 Young Artists Solo Competition
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Young Artist Solo Competition winner!
OLIVIA WANG - oboe
Olivia is a junior at Blue Valley High School where she is a member of the
BVHS band program. She studies privately with Mackenzie Vavricek.
Her musical achievements include being selected KMEA All-State member
for the past two years, a member of the ECKMEA Kansas All-District for the
past three years, a member of the John Philip Sousa Honor Band for the past
three years, and Principal Oboe of the Blue Valley High School
Wind Ensemble for the past three years.
Olivia was also the runner-up for our
Young Artist Solo Competition in 2025.
We deeply appreciate Meyer Music’s generosity for underwriting 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 Wednesday, January 20th, 2027 deadline. Notification of application status will be conveyed to all applicants by January 27th, 2027.
Final Live Audition Round:
Finalists will be invited to audition live on Sunday afternoon of February 7th, 2027. 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 8th, 2027. 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 20th, 2027
Finalists announced: Wed, January 27th, 2027
Live auditions: Sun, February 7th, 2027
Winner announced: Mon, February 8th, 2027
Sunday Rehearsals (afternoon) with the NorthWinds Symphonic Band: TBD
Performance: Sun, April 25th, 2027
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.