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.
Eligibility
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High school students (grades 9-12)
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Undergraduate college students
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All wind, brass, and percussion instruments
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Michigan residents or students
Who Can Apply
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Prepare one complete concerto movement
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Work must be from standard concerto repertoire
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Audition performance: 8-12 minutes
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No previous NOCB Concerto Competition winners
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Performance from memory preferred, but not required
Requirements
Important Dates (2027 Competition)
March 29th, 2027
Application Deadline
Recordings due by April 9th, 2027
Preliminary Round (Video Submission)
By April 16th, 2027
Semi-Finalist Notification
Saturday, April 24th, 2027
Live Final Round Auditions
Sunday, May 2nd, 2027 at 4:00 PM
Winner Performance with NOCB
Lake Orion High School Performing Arts Center
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