They have practiced for hours. They lead in their local school orchestra, and dazzle in solo/ensemble. They are committed to every facet of their studies. Here’s where we get to show them off! Every year, the most accomplished music students from the Central Wisconsin region are invited to compete for the opportunity to solo with the CWSO in an unforgettable weekend of music making of the highest level.

The winner not only performs with the symphony, but also enchants listeners all across the state on WPR, and is the recipient of a generous cash prize.

Rules and Eligibility

1. Competitors must be instrumentalists in grades 9-12 during the 2020-21 school year.
2. Competitors or their private music teacher must reside within the following geographical boundaries: Highway 2/Michigan (North), Highway 21 (South), Highway 13 (West), and Highway 45 (East)
3. Competitors will perform a movement or standard excerpt of a concerto of their choice, not to exceed fifteen (15) minutes in length. The selection must be an original concerto composed for the instrument and orchestra (no transcriptions).
4. Repertoire must be approved by the CWSO before the recording submission deadline, or competitor will be considered ineligible. Criteria for approval include availability of music, rental/purchase cost, and suitability with the CWSO’s programming. 
5. Piano accompaniment is optional.  Competitors may use live or recorded accompaniment if they choose. Recorded accompaniment must not include the solo track. There is no penalty for performing without accompaniment.
6. Competitors must perform their music from memory.
7. Judges have complete discretion in the awarding of the prize(s), including the option to name no winner. Their decisions shall be final. Previous grand prize winners are not eligible to compete again.

Winner must be available to perform with the CWSO on December 5 and 6, 2020, and to rehearse with the orchestra as required by the conductor. Tentative required rehearsals are December 1 and 4, plus concert weekend. No alternative performance dates will be available.

ACC 2020 APPLICATION FORM

YACC 2020 TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

YACC 2020 VIDEO SUBMISSION FORM

Video Submission Guidelines and Recommendations

1. Submitted recordings must be a single take (no sound or image editing of the performance).
2. You must perform your music from memory.
3. Piano accompaniment is optional. You may use live or recorded accompaniment if you choose. Pre-recorded accompaniment must not include the solo track.  There is no penalty for performing without accompaniment.
4. Recorded performances should not exceed the 15 minute time limit.
5. Set your camera in landscape mode, and test your audio in advance to ensure the sound quality is clear.
6. Angle your camera so that your face and instrument are both visible.
7. Upload your completed recording to YouTube.  Include your name, instrument, title, and composer in the title of the video.  Mark the video as unlisted or public (not private) so that judges will be able to view it.
8. Provide a link to your video through the video submission form.