The competition consists of two divisions: college and high school/Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra member. Up to one high school/MCO division and up to two college division winners will be chosen.

1. College Division
   • The college division is open to any actively enrolled Mercyhurst student currently participating in private music instruction.
2. High School/MCO Division
   • The high school/MCO division is open to:
     • Any high school aged student playing an orchestral instrument
     • High school aged pianists who participate in Mercyhurst programs
     • Any adult, amateur members of the MCO

• Auditions from high school/MCO division will be accepted via recording.
  • Upon completion of your application, you will receive detailed instructions for submission and acceptable format guidelines.
  • Memorization is required.
  • Accompaniment is required and is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Audition length is ten minutes maximum (please use cuts in accompaniment).
  • The winner will receive an award certificate and will be featured in social media and news media releases
  • The judges will be for this division will be the same as the college division.

• Auditions for the college division will be held in person, without audience, on February 21 at 3 p.m. and livestreamed.
  • If Mercyhurst is in a remote learning model during this time, auditions will instead be accepted via recording.
  • Memorization is required.
  • Accompaniment is required, is the responsibility of the applicant, and must be arranged from the available accompanists approved to perform on campus.
  • Audition length is ten minutes maximum (please use cuts in accompaniment).
  • The judges will be observing virtually.
  • The winner(s) will receive the opportunity to perform in livestream recital with piano accompaniment. The Recital will be held at a date to be determined.

• Repertoire (for both high school/MCO member and college divisions)
  • Total performance time may not exceed 20 minutes. Performance time for the recital is increased beyond that of the audition intentionally.
  • Instrumentalists: a single movement or a through-composed solo concerto/concert piece.
  • Vocalists: maximum of two contrasting works for solo voice and orchestra.
  • Repertoire may be limited by availability. If you have any concerns, please check with Conductor, Jonathan Moser at jmoser@mercyhurst.edu.

The application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2021 at 5 p.m.