01
Who may audition
Students aged 12–18 who live in the Tri-State Area. Instrumental soloists and vocalists are welcome.
2027 competition
2027 competition details.
Audition for a solo performance with the Marshall University Symphony Orchestra, joined by members of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra. Find the eligibility, repertoire, dates, and award information below.
Deadline · December 14, 2026
Mail your application and fee in time to arrive.
The $30 check and application must both be received by December 14, 2026.
Application deadline
December 14, 2026Application and fee received by this dateAudition date
Sunday, January 10, 202712:30 p.m. · check in by 12:15 p.m.Eligibility
Ages 12–18 in the Tri-State AreaInstrumentalists and vocalistsAudition location
Smith Music Hall · Marshall UniversityHuntington, West VirginiaEntry fee
$30 by checkPayable to Young People’s Concert CommitteeA shared stage
A first step into the professional world of music.
Presented by the Woman’s Club of Huntington in partnership with Marshall University School of Music and the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, the competition offers its winner a performance with the Marshall University Symphony Orchestra alongside professional HSO musicians. The side-by-side experience connects young talent with professional players while the Young People’s Concert brings live orchestral music to local students.
Presented byThe Woman’s Club of Huntington
University partner
Professional orchestra & prize sponsor
Huntington Symphony Orchestra
Huntington Symphony OrchestraSchool partner
Audition essentials
Know the music. Know the room.
Review these requirements before selecting your audition music.
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What to perform
A composition for solo instrument or voice with orchestra. One concerto movement is appropriate. The limit is 12 minutes, and orchestra parts must be available for rent.
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How to prepare
Audition music must be memorized. Bring a well-qualified accompanist and three copies of the score of your chosen audition repertoire for the three judges.
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When to arrive
Both soloist and accompanist must check in by 12:15 p.m. on audition day. Auditions begin at 12:30 p.m.; late arrivals will not be permitted to audition.
Important dates
From the mailbox to the concert hall.
The selected soloist must attend the rehearsal and performances. All times are local to Huntington, West Virginia.
- Dec 14Monday, 202601
Application deadline
The application and $30 check must be received—not merely postmarked—by this date.
- Jan 10Sunday, 202702
Auditions
12:30 p.m. at Smith Music Hall, Marshall University. Check in by 12:15 p.m.
- Mar 01Monday, 202703
Dress rehearsal
6:30 p.m. at Smith Music Hall. Required for the selected soloist.
- Mar 02Tuesday, 202704
Young People’s Concert
9:00 a.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, Huntington, WV.
- Mar 02Tuesday, 202705
Community concert
7:30 p.m. at Smith Music Hall. A snow alternate date may be required.
- Mar 03Wednesday, 202706
Woman’s Club luncheon
12:00 p.m. at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. The winner performs and receives a monetary stipend.
The opportunity
Perform with an orchestra. Share the stage with a community.
First prize · Winner
$300
The winner receives a $300 award and performs with the Marshall University Symphony Orchestra, joined by members of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra. Only the winner performs with the orchestra.
Second prize$175
Third prize$75
Second and third prizes are monetary awards only.
The Huntington Symphony Orchestra also sponsors the prizes. The Woman’s Club of Huntington sponsors the concert in cooperation with Cabell County Schools and the Marshall University School of Music.
Ready to enter?