IMPORTANT DATES

• For May 2024 Concert
  Application Due Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 5pm
  Audition Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 (specific time slots are assigned)
• For January and May 2025 Concerts
  Application Due Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 5pm
  Audition Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024 (specific time slots are assigned)

OVERVIEW

We are delighted to announce the Neighborhood Music School Concerto Competition for 2023-2024. The selected winner(s) will perform as a soloist with the Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra or Concert Orchestra in the May 2024 concert (January 21 audition) or at one of the concerts in the 2024-2025 season (May 19 audition). This is an incredible opportunity for serious young musicians to gain valuable experience performing with one of the region’s top student ensembles.

ELIGIBILITY

• The NMS Concerto Competition is open to all students who are enrolled at NMS at the time of their audition;
• Applicants must be in at least entering the sixth grade but no older than twelfth grade in the fall of 2023;
• The winners of the NMS Concerto Competition must be enrolled at NMS at the time of their performance;

APPLICATION

• The application is to be filled out by the student’s individual lesson teacher by Saturday, January 13, 2024 for the May 2024 concert, and Saturday, May 11, 2024 for the 2024-25 season; late applications will not be accepted;
• A teacher recommendation is required for each applicant;
• Applicants should choose a concerto that best represents their level of playing;
• Repertoire must be pre-approved by the conductors Netta Hadari and Marvin Warshaw prior to submitting the application.

AUDITION

• The audition date is: Sunday, January 21, 2024 for the 2024 concert or Sunday, May 19, 2024 for the 2025 concerts.
• All applicants must audition in person;
• Applicants are assigned individual audition times, and will be notified of the time as soon as possible;
• Audition times cannot be changed;
• All applicants (including pianists) are required to audition with a live piano accompanist.  Students are responsible for securing their own accompanist;
• Each applicant is given a ten-minute time slot and may not exceed allotted time;
• Selections may be shortened by abridging or deleting long accompaniment-only passages;
• Applicants are highly encouraged to memorize their audition piece, although music may be used if needed;
• Decision of the judges is final.

CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNERS

• The judges panel is composed of select guest educators .
• The winner must be able to attend rehearsal with the orchestra on a specific date to be determined, the dress rehearsal on the day before the concert and any additional rehearsals stipulated by the conductor.