The Lakeland Civic Orchestra will host its 2023 Young Artists Competition Monday, May 15, between 5-9 p.m. in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center in the D-Building of Lakeland’s main campus.

This event allows young musicians, ages 18 and under, to compete for the opportunity to perform as instrumental or vocal soloists with the Lakeland Civic Orchestra in one of their concerts during the 2023-2024 season. The 2023 Young Artists Competition follows last year’s successful return to live auditions.

Performers will compete in two age divisions: the junior division (ages 13 and under) and senior division (ages 14-18). The musicians must be prepared to give a live audition on the piece they plan to perform with the orchestra, with piano accompaniment provided by the performer. Total audition length is limited to 12 minutes, but larger works may be programmed for concerts.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 21. Visit the Young Artists Competition website for more information and to submit an application. Winners will be announced by May 31. There is no application fee, but no more than two students of any private teacher may audition.

Previous Young Artists Competition winners have included members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Ohio Music Education Association All-State Orchestra, and winners of Ohio Music Teachers Association competitions and the Cooper International Competition. Many have continued their studies in prestigious music programs such as the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kent State University, Rice University, and Northwestern University.

For more information, please contact Dr. Matthew Saunders, music department chair and director of the Lakeland Civic Orchestra, at 440.525.7105 or email msaunders4@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND CIVIC ORCHESTRA

The Lakeland Civic Orchestra performs four concerts annually and rehearses Monday evenings on Lakeland’s Main Campus from August through May. Orchestra members come from many different backgrounds, from passionate amateurs to professional musicians seeking additional performance opportunities, and from ages 14 to 80. Lakeland students may earn one college credit per semester for their participation.

ABOUT LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For more than 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to nearly 8,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community at its campus in Kirtland and online.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lakeland offers more than 140 associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. The college also provides access to bachelor’s, graduate and doctorate degrees along with certificates and endorsements, as well as lifelong learning opportunities, on campus through the Holden University Center of Lakeland, in partnership with 11 four-year institutions.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist