They have practiced for hours. They lead in their local school and youth orchestras, and dazzle in solo/ensemble competitions. 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 prize money and the opportunity to perform with the CWSO in an unforgettable weekend of music making of the highest level.
New this year: the CWSO and CWYSO Concerto Competitions will be held on the same day. Students who are enrolled in CWYSO are eligible for both competitions, but may only win one prize. More information is below:
Rules and Eligibility for 2024 CWSO Competition
- Competitors must be instrumentalists in grade 9-12 during the 2024-25 school year.
- Competitors must reside within one the following counties: Portage, Wood, Juneau, Adams, Marathon, Waushara, Shawano (including the Menominee Reservation), Waupaca, Lincoln, Langlade, Taylor, or Clark.
- 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).
- Repertoire must be approved by the CWSO to be eligible for the grand prize. Criteria for approval include availability of music, rental/purchase cost, and suitability with the CWSO’s programming.
- Competitors must provide piano accompaniment at their own expense.
- Competitors must perform their music from memory.
- Judges have complete discretion in the awarding of the prize(s), including the option to name no winner. Their decisions shall be final.
- Winner must be available to perform with the CWSO on February 15, 2025 and to rehearse with the orchestra as required by the conductor. Tentative required rehearsals are February 11, 14 and 15. No alternative performance dates will be available.
- A non-refundable audition fee of $25 is due before October 5th, 2024.
The grand prize winner's performance as soloist with the CWSO on February 15, 2025 at 7:30pm is contingent upon public health recommendations at the time of the concerts. The grand prize winner will also receive a $500 cash prize to assist with their musical studies. An honorable mention may also be named.
Rules and Eligibility for 2024 CWYSO Competition
1. Competitors must be enrolled in CWYSO for the 2024-25 Academic Year.
2. Competitors will perform a movement or standard excerpt of a concert 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).
3. Repertoire must be approved by CWYSO Music Director to be eligible for the grand prize. Criteria for approval include availability of music, rental/purchase cost, and suitability with CWYSO's programming.
4. Competitors must provide piano accompaniment at their own expense.
5. It is recommended that competitors perform their music from memory.
6. Judges have complete discretion in the awarding of the prize(s), including the option to name no winner. Their decisions shall be final.
7. Winner must be available to perform with the CWYSO on April 6th, 2025 and to rehearse with the orchestra as required by the conductor.
8. Participants agree to be present at all rehearsals (except in cases of emergency) of each of the semesters required for competition participation and agrees to the CWYSO Attendance Policy for all rehearsals and performances.
9. The official policy of CWYSO does not permit the recording of the concerto competition performance. All concerts are recorded and are available to families privately.
10. Participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to their assigned time slot. They may warm up in Room 240 prior to their assigned performance time or in individual practice rooms on the third (3rd) floor.
11. Students are encouraged to collaborate with other students and compete on concerti written for more than one player, i.e. Bach double: Vivaldi, Brahms, Beethoven, etc. Please consult with your private instructor or music teacher.
The grand prize winner's performance as soloist with the CWYSO on April 6th, 2025 is contingent upon public health recommendations at the time of the concerts. The grand prize winner will also receive a $350 cash prize to assist with their musical studies. An honorable mention may also be named.
This year’s competition takes place on October 13th, 2024, between 1 - 3 p.m. at UW-Stevens Point in the Noel Fine Arts Center in Rm. 221 (small lecture hall). Formal times will be sent out once applications are accepted. All application materials are due by October 5th, 2024.
