Youth Concerto Competition
The Laura Showalter Youth Concerto Competition
Amongst her many accomplishments, Laura W. Showalter was a teacher, writer and musician. She began playing the violin as a child and joined the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in 1970. She also played with the Singing Strings. Laura was married to Sidney H. Showalter who served four terms as Bartholomew Superior Court judge and had three children, Susan W. Showalter, Sally S. Nusbaum, and Sidney H. Showalter II. Laura was an active and engaged member of her community serving on numerous local, state and national education associations as well as local clubs, committees and boards. In celebration of her life and her love for music and education, her children have partnered with The Columbus Symphony Orchestra to offer the Laura Showalter Youth Concerto Competition.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is now accepting applications for The Laura Showalter Youth Concerto Competition. The competition is an exciting opportunity for high school aged musicians to prepare a musical piece and audition for an opportunity to perform with Indiana’s oldest continually-active symphony orchestra! Winner of the competition will receive a scholarship of $500.
Deadline to apply is Friday, January 3, 2025.
Am I Eligible?
Must be enrolled in high school, or home schooled
Must reside in, or attend school in: Bartholomew, Brown, Johnson, Jennings, Decatur, Jackson, or Shelby Counties
Must be under the age of Twenty (20)
Pledges to be available, if chosen, to rehearse prior to and perform with the orchestra
What Can I Play?
Concertos, show pieces or similar scored for a solo instrument with orchestra
Less than fifteen minutes in duration
Must be in print and accessible to the Orchestra
Applicants are encouraged to consult with their teacher in selecting an appropriate piece
Eligible Solo Instruments
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Winds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion: Mallets and other orchestral percussion
How Do I Apply?
Submit an online application using the form below.
In person auditions will occur on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm. If selected for an audition, more information will be shared at that time.
If selected, you will perform at our concert on February 9, 2025 with the orchestra. You will also be required to attend at least one rehearsal prior to the concert on a Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm. Please send any questions to columbusorchestra@gmail.com.
