The University of Iowa Bands Young Artist Competition is open to all students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 during the 2024-25 school year. Applicants should submit a high-quality video recording of their selected solo. The first-place winner will perform with the Iowa Symphony Band at 7:30PM on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in the Voxman Music Building on the University of Iowa campus. The second-place winner will perform with the Iowa Concert Band at 7:30PM on Monday, April 28, 2025 in the Voxman Music Building on the University of Iowa campus.

You are required to submit an application form and link to a live, unedited video recording of your piece, accompaniment optional. 

  1. Recordings must be performed by the applicant.
  2. Recordings may not be edited or have any effects added (reverb, pitch correction, etc.)
  3. Applicant and applicant's instrument must be visible during the entire video.
  4. Perform the entire piece or movement in one single take.
  5. Piano accompaniment is optional, but recommended.
  6. Applicants are encouraged to have their music teacher review their video before submitting it.
  7. Please make sure that your video is viewable without a login. We recommend submitting a link to a YouTube video using the “unlisted” privacy settings.
  8. Links that do not work or video formats that are not readily accessible may cause disqualification.
  9. Do not email video files.

The first and second place winners will be awarded a scholarship in the amount of $4000 and $2000 respectively. To accept the scholarship, the winners must (1) enroll at the University of Iowa, (2) be accepted into a studio, (3) pursue a music degree (even if it is in addition to a second degree), and (4) meet UI and SOM academic and enrollment requirements to receive and retain scholarship.

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Details

The University of Iowa Bands Young Artist Competition is open to all students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 during the 2024-25 school year. Applicants should submit a high-quality video recording of their selected solo. Submitting a performance with accompaniment is optional but highly recommended. The performance should be a complete and unedited version of the solo or selected movement(s).

Applicants should submit a solo that has a domestically available accompaniment for concert band. The length should be between 5 and 10 minutes. Single movements of multi-movement works may be submitted, but must fall within the allotted time above. The student’s music teacher or band director should confirm the availability of the band accompaniment with the applicant before the application form is submitted. The source of the rental or purchase of the accompaniment is required on the application form. The University of Iowa will cover all costs associated with renting or purchasing the accompaniment.

When recording your video, refer to the guidelines below for specifics. Label all application materials as your full name. Also, ensure that the email address you provide is correct and an account that is monitored. All application materials including a complete application form and link to the video recording must be received by 11:59PM on Friday, February 14, 2025. Video recordings will be evaluated by a panel of anonymous, qualified adjudicators who live outside of the State of Iowa. The two winners will be notified by email as soon as the results are finalized, sometime between March 15-22, 2025. 

The first place winner will perform with the Iowa Symphony Band at 7:30PM on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in the Voxman Music Building on the University of Iowa campus. The soloist will rehearse with the Symphony Band during the dress rehearsal at 1:30PM on Wednesday, April 30. Another rehearsal will be arranged between the soloist and Dr. Heidel, the conductor. The second place winner will perform with the Iowa Concert Band at 7:30PM on Monday, April 28, 2025 in the Voxman Music Building on the University of Iowa campus. The soloist will rehearse with the Concert Band during their dress rehearsal at 1:30PM on Monday, April 28. Another rehearsal will be arranged between the soloist and Dr. Bush, the conductor.