2009 YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION

 General Information

The Oklahoma Community Orchestra announces its 4th Annual Young Artist Competition for outstanding college and university students.  The competition will take place February 14, 2009 on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University.  There will be two divisions of solo competition:  Orchestral Instruments and Piano.  Each division winner will receive a $750 cash prize and will perform as a featured soloist with the Oklahoma Community Orchestra.  The concert performance will be presented at Oklahoma Christian University on April 21, 2009. Printable application available.

Competition Guidelines

Eligibility - The competition is open to solo performers of all orchestral instruments and piano.  Performers must be between the ages of 17 and 25 as of January 1, 2009 and enrolled at a college or university in Oklahoma.  Previous first place winners may not apply.

Music Selection - The selection should be a single concerto movement, substantive to stand alone, an entire concerto of brief length, or a work for solo instrument and orchestra, with a maximum duration of 25 minutes. The selection must be approved by the audition committee as to suitability to the orchestra (factors may include availability, cost, instrumentation, etc.)  Solo selections performed recently by the orchestra are not recommended.  For a listing, visit the orchestra’s web site at www.okorchestra.org. Memorization is strongly preferred, but not required.   

Judging - For the competition, contestants must provide the judges with two copies of the music, including one original (published) score or piano reduction, with measures numbered.  Cuts may be made in long tutti passages for the competition.  Decision of the judges is final.  OCO reserves the right to with-hold prizes if no contestants are deemed qualified or the music is deemed unsuitable for the orchestra.

Other Guidelines
Contestants are responsible for all personal expenses and must provide their own accompanists for the competition.

Entry fee (non refundable): $25.00 

Winners must be available for three Monday evening rehearsals, including the dress rehearsal, prior to the concert performance. 

IMPORTANT DATES

                            Postmark deadline for application………………..  December 10, 2008
                            Notification of audition time……………………….  January 17, 2009
                            Young Artist Competition………………………….  February 14, 2009
                            Announcement of competition winners………….   February 22, 2009 Concert                     
                            Performance of competition winners……………..  April 21, 2009 Concert

For a printable application or additional information, contact Dr. Janet Romanishin, 1933 Whispering Pines Circle, Norman, OK 73072, (405) 329-8253, or visit our website: www.okorchestra.org