ELIGIBILITY

Students enrolled in a Texas college, university, or music school, or permanent residents of Texas enrolled in any college, university, or music school are eligible. Vocalists must be between the ages of 20 and 30 at the time of the competition, while candidates in the other divisions must be between 18 and 30 years of age. Previous YTA grand prize winners and students of current judges are not eligible.

DIVISIONS

Candidates will compete in one of four divisions:

• Voice
• Piano
  
• Strings
  
• Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar

Preliminary rounds begin Thursday and continue through Saturday afternoon.

Two finalists from each division will be selected to compete in the final competition Saturday evening which is held in concert form. Final judging will take place during the Saturday evening concert with the repertoire and order being selected by the judges. Formal attire is required for the final round. Each candidate will receive a written critique from each judge for one or both rounds.

The YTA Competition Committee, at the recommendation of the judges, reserves the right to alter the finalist selection and also the right to withhold granting a division prize should there be a lack of suitable candidates.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate will be judged by the highest artistic standards in regard to musicianship, technical proficiency, selection of repertoire, stage deportment and artistry. Formal attire is required only for the finals.

All selections must be performed from memory.

All divisions other than voice require a concerto or major work for solo instrument and orchestra and two separate solo works of the candidate’s choice, reflecting a diversity of style and period. Finalists’ performances are limited to 12 minutes. candidates should edit their longer pieces to the time constraints of the concert Saturday evening. One movement of a concerto may be edited for the finals, although preliminary rounds require that the entire work be prepared.

The voice division requires three selections of contrasting style in the original key, selected from standard opera, oratorio, cantata, or songs with orchestral accompaniment. Two selections must be in the original language. A third selection of the candidate’s choice may be performed.

Candidates must provide a copy of each selection for the panel. Scores should be unmarked except for measure numbers. No photocopies allowed except for out-of-print works which must be granted prior permission in writing.

Candidates are encouraged to provide their own accompanists, but may opt to use a YTA staff accompanist. Candidates wishing to use a YTA staff accompanist must indicate so on the application form and pay the $100 fee at the time of application. YTA staff accompanists must receive the candidate’s scores no later than 4 weeks prior to the competition. Do not send scores to the YTA office. Your accompanist will contact you and let you know how to send your scores.

FINAL ROUND INFORMATION

The final round of the competition will take place Saturday evening in the form of a concert. Required dress for the final round is formal attire, tuxedo (white or black tie) for men and formal dress for women.

FEE AND APPLICATION

The entry fee of $50 and a promotional photo (sent separately via email to info@youngtexasartists.org) must accompany the application form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Be sure to list major teachers as references and include their contact information. All applications and photos will become property of the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society and may be used for promotion. No refunds will be given for cancellation after February 28, 2008.

Application postmark deadline is January 15th, 2008.

Send Application and fees to:

Young Texas Artists Music Competition
P.O. Box 448
Conroe, TX 77305

Send publicity photo (.jpg format) to info@youngtexasartists.org. Be sure to put your name in the subject line.

HOUSING/TRANSPORTATION & MAP

Complimentary accommodations in homes of volunteers are available on a limited basis. Other housing and all transportation necessary for competition will be at the expense of the candidates. Information on area hotels is available from the Conroe Chamber of Commerce. Candidates desiring complementary housing must indicate so on the application form.

A map marking the location of the Crighton Theatre is available here.

The Baymont Inn in Conroe is offering a special price for Young Texas Artists participants, at $59.95 per room. You must call the local number (936) 539-5100 in order to receive the special rate.