Listed below are the following requirements to be eligible to compete in the Senior Instrumental Competition. Applicants must abide by all competition requirements or be disqualified.
- Applicants must prepare one movement of a concerto or work of equal importance, with available orchestral accompaniment in its original form (with no cuts) that is a maximum of ten minutes in length. The length of piece is designed to accommodate the format and repertoire of the Symphonic Concert for Children while ensuring an edifying and rewarding experience for all.
- During the preliminary competition, the accompanist should limit lengthy introductory accompaniment to several lead-in measures. Our judges are only interested in the evaluation of the applicant's skills.
- Applicants are not required to memorize their audition piece. This is a new rule this year.
- Each applicant is limited to one competition piece on one instrument.
- Applicants must be able to perform their piece at the time of the competition at a level which is suitable for performance with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.
- Applicants must supply their own accompanist for the competition.
- Any special competition time requests must be made with the return of your completed application. We will try to accommodate you within our scheduling format.
- Applicant must supply four photo copied sets of their music with each measure numbered. This will enable the judges to provide a detailed evaluation.
In the event that the first place winner is unable to fulfill his/her obligations, the second place winner will be given the performance opportunities of the first place winner.
Applicants must return their fully completed application post marked no later than January 24, 2008, along with their $15.00 non-refundable application fee made payable to the Women's Symphony Association, the four photo copies of the music, and a non-returnable photo.
Only 2 students from each teacher will be accepted. Please choose those who are most qualified and will derive the most benefit from the experience. There will be three different judges for each round of competition; their joint decisions will be final. Applicants will be scored on a scale of 1 -10 points in the following categories:
- dynamics
- expression/interpretation
- stage presence
- phrasing
- poise
- rhythm
- technique
- tone quality
The preliminary round of competition will be closed to all but the judging panel, members of the Women’s Symphony Board, accompanists, and parents. The final round of competition will be open to the general public. No photography will be permitted during the final round of competition.