Concerto Competition
Showcase your talent with NOCB
Competition Overview
The North Oakland Concert Band Concerto Competition is an annual opportunity for talented young musicians to perform as featured soloists with our full ensemble. This prestigious competition has launched the careers of many accomplished musicians and provides an invaluable performance experience.
The winner will receive a prize totaling $1,000.00 for furthering music interests and will perform with the full North Oakland Concert Band at one of our regular season concerts, receiving professional-level accompaniment and the thrill of performing before a live audience of hundreds.
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Eligibility
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High School Seniors graduating at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
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All wind, brass, and percussion instruments; as well as vocalists
Who Can Apply
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Completed Concerto Competition Application
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Essay about yourself and future aspirations for keeping music in your life
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Letters of recommendation from your director and someone other than a family member who can comment on musical ability, activites, and importance of music in your life.
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Audition recording of candidate performing the concerto piece that would be performed with the band.
Application Requirements
Important Dates (2027 Competition)
January 22, 2027
Application Deadline
February 25, 2027
Audition Date for Finalists:
Sunday, May 2 2027
Performance Date for Winner:
Application Information
Completed application form with personal information, musical background, and repertoire selection
Essay about who you are and why you believe you shoul be selected to receive this scholarship
Video recording (preliminary round): High-quality audio/video of your concerto movement
Two Letters of recommendation from your private teacher, school music director, or someone other than a family member who can commment on your musical ability, musical activities, and the importance of music in your life.
What to Submit
Technical Proficiency (40%)
Tone quality, intonation, articulation, and technique
Stage Presence (10%)
Confidence, poise, and communication
Judging Criteria
Musical Expression (40%)
Phrasing, dynamics, interpretation, and artistry
Overall Performance (10%)
Cohesion, memorization, and impact
Download Application Materials
Questions?
Contact our Competition Coordinator Deb Lasko at bassclarlady63@gmail.com