The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO) is thrilled to announce the 2025 Young Concert Artists Competition (YCC), a prestigious event offering young musicians a remarkable platform to showcase their talent and compete for exciting prizes. This competition is open to aspiring violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists residing in the southeastern United States. Are you ready to take the stage?

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Eligibility and Registration for the HHSO Young Concert Artists Competition

The YCC is open to musicians aged 18 and younger who play violin, viola, cello, or bass, have not graduated high school, and reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. Previous grand prize winners are not eligible to compete.

Online registration is mandatory and opens on August 28, 2024. The deadline for registration is Thursday, October 31, 2024, by midnight Eastern Standard Time. Don’t delay – register early! Click here to register. Be sure to add ycc@hhso.org to your email contacts to avoid missing important updates.

Preparing Your Audition Piece: Guidelines and Requirements

Your audition piece should be a recognized solo for your instrument, accompanied by an orchestra. While the piece doesn’t have to be a concerto, it must have existing orchestral accompaniment (score and parts available). Arrangements, transcriptions, and student compositions are not permitted.

The performance should be between 6 and 15 minutes long, with the competitor playing for the majority of the duration. Memorization is required. While videos longer than 15 minutes can be submitted, they will be edited to meet the time limit if you are chosen as a finalist. Failure to meet the 6-minute minimum will result in disqualification. You may also shorten your selection to meet the time requirement. Contact Steven Shaiman, HHSO Director of Education and Community Engagement, at ycc@hhso.org with any questions.

If selected as a finalist, you must perform the same piece throughout the competition (except for any necessary cuts to meet the 15-minute final round limit).

Application Submission: Key Dates and Details

All application materials are due by Thursday, October 31, 2024 (midnight EST). Early submission is strongly encouraged, as no extensions will be granted. You will receive email confirmation of your submission within 48 hours.

Your application must include a video recording of your chosen piece, accompanied by a pianist (electronic keyboards or orchestral accompaniment are not acceptable). Submit a public or unlisted YouTube link on your registration form. Other video formats require prior approval from the competition director.

Your video should be a single, continuous take from a fixed camera angle, clearly showing both you and your accompanist. It must also be evident that you are performing from memory. Video editing is not allowed. High-quality recording is essential for accurate adjudication, as poor audio or video quality can negatively impact your performance evaluation.

A non-refundable $50 registration fee is required and must be paid online [here](https://hhso.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/

/instances/a0FPb000004jypDMAQ) after August 28, 2024, and before the deadline. For questions regarding your selection, format, or performance, please contact us before recording your video.

If you are unable to submit your application electronically, please contact the director at ycc@hhso.org at least 10 days before the deadline for alternative instructions.

The Finals: A Showcase of Exceptional Talent

Up to ten finalists will be selected by a screening jury and notified via email by Monday, December 2, 2024.

The finals will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Soundwaves (7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island). Finalists will perform their chosen piece from memory for a live audience and a panel of judges. The competition is planned to be livestreamed on the HHSO YouTube channel.

Finalists are responsible for their own accompanists, or they can utilize the competition’s accompanist for a fee of $150 (due by January 1, 2025). To work with the provided accompanist, finalists must arrive on Hilton Head Island by Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM for a 45-minute rehearsal.

Host families are available for finalists traveling with their parents. If you are interested in this option, please indicate any special needs (allergies, dietary restrictions) in the Additional Information section of the registration form. Hotel recommendations are also available upon request.

Post-Finals: Results, Feedback, and Additional Materials

Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the finals concert. Judges’ comments will be sent to finalists via email within 2-3 weeks following the competition.

Finalists are required to submit the following materials by 5:00 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024:

A PDF score of your selection, showing both the solo and piano accompaniment, with any cuts clearly marked.
A two-paragraph biographical sketch (written in third person) for the HHSO website and program.
A recent high-quality JPG photo of yourself with your instrument for publicity and program use.
A signed form (provided by HHSO) authorizing participation and the use of submitted materials.

Prizes and Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Achievement

The HHSO YCC offers generous prizes and scholarships:

First Prize: $1500 cash, $700 scholarship to the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and a solo performance with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
Second Prize: $800 cash and a $500 scholarship to the Philadelphia International Music Festival.
Third Prize: $500 cash and a $500 scholarship to the Philadelphia International Music Festival.
All Other Finalists: $200 cash and a $300 scholarship to the Philadelphia International Music Festival.

All finalists receive a $100 scholarship to the Hilton Head Chamber Music Festival in June 2025. Additional performance opportunities may be available for select finalists.

Note: All prizes are awarded at the judges’ discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I submit a video with orchestral accompaniment?

A: No, the video submission must feature piano accompaniment. Electronic keyboards and orchestral accompaniments are not permitted.

Q: What if I need to make a change to my registered piece after the deadline?
A: Contact the competition director as soon as possible at ycc@hhso.org to discuss your situation. Changes may not be permitted depending on the circumstances.

Q: What if I can’t afford the application fee?
A: Contact the competition director at ycc@hhso.org to inquire about potential fee waivers or assistance.

Do you have other questions? We encourage you to share your inquiries in the comments below! We are dedicated to supporting young musicians on their path to success. The HHSO Young Concert Artists Competition is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow musicians, learn from experienced professionals, and gain invaluable experience. Join us for this exciting musical journey!