OUTREACH

Ann Keller Young Soloist Concerto Competition

ABOUT

The Ann Keller Young Soloist Competition is an opportunity for serious pianists and instrumentalists, grades 9-12. Contestants compete for a first place prize of $250, a performance of their contest piece with the Nittany Valley Symphony at the family concert, a professionally recorded CD of the concert, complimentary tickets for immediate family, and a framed certificate. The second place prize is $100.

This competition is named in honor of the woman to whom we owe the birth of the Nittany Valley Symphony over 50 years ago, Ann Keller. Her tireless efforts organized the Symphony to perform in concerts and in schools to add to the musical growth of the community. Sponsored by the NVS Guild, this competition is currently chaired by Teri Smith. For questions or more information, please contact Teri Smith at (814) 238-5964, [email protected], or 2465 Buchenhorst Rd, State College PA 16801.

Rules

  1. Eligibility: Open to students grades 9-12 who live within the following counties: Centre, Blair, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Snyder, Lycoming, or Union. Piano and instruments only (no organ). First place winners may not compete the following year on any instrument.

  2. Music: One movement of a concerto or concert piece with an existing orchestral part not exceeding 12 minutes in length. Memorization is required for pianists and strings, and is strongly recommended for other instruments. Music Director reserves the right to decide the feasibility and suitability of the piece. Winner MUST play the piece used in audition.

  3. Accompanists must be provided for all instruments by the contestant.

  4. Three copies of your music with measures numbered may be needed for the judges, one of which must be an original. All photocopies are destroyed afterwards. Piano reduction scores are required, not just the solo line.

  5. Dress appropriately. No jeans, no t-shirts, no shorts. A tux, dark suit, or long gown is standard for concert attire.

  6. Contestants are asked to return at 5:00 PM for awarding prizes.

  7. No student may have access to the piano before the auditions.

35TH ANNUAL COMPETITION

1 PM - 5 PM on Saturday November 23, 2024

Room 122 of Music Building II at the Penn State School of Music

Application and $25 entrance fee must be received by Nov. 1, 2024. Online registration is not available.

Winner will win $250 and perform with the Nittany Valley Symphony.

Second place winner will win $100.

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2018 Ann Keller Young Soloist Winner, Ellie Kim! Kim performed Concerto #2 in F minor, Op. 21, mvt. I by Frederic Chopin with the Nittany Valley Symphony at our Family Concert on February 24, 2019.

Five incredible talented young musicians participated in our 2018 competition held on November 11: Ellie Kim (1st place, senior at State College Area High School who studies with Christopher Guzman), Michael Fisher (2nd place, sophomore at Williamsport Area High School who studies with James Lyon), Anisha Prabhu (sophomore at State College Area High School who studies with Sally Williams Minnich), John Rose (senior at Hollidaysburg Area High School who studies with Carol Lyon), and Ananya Tadigadapa (sophomore at State College Area High School who studies with Naomi Seidman)

Nittany Valley Symphony Outreaching Traveling Educating Series (N.O.T.E.S.)

N.O.T.E.S. addresses the need to expose Centre County school students to classical music in a fun-filled, educational atmosphere.  N.O.T.E.S. familiarizes students with the experience of a live symphonic music presentation. There are schools in Centre County that have minimal music programs, no orchestras and no classical music opportunities. Some students in the outlying school districts have never had the opportunity to attend a concert at Eisenhower Auditorium. This new endeavor reaches out to a new audience by offering personal attention to the classical details geared to students of all ages. We have an array of musicians who are fantastic at offering an educational experience that is inspiring.This interaction on a personal level with professional musicians will prepare the students and enhance the concert experience. Not only will the students see and hear a symphonic orchestra, but also they will be prepared to understand and ultimately achieve an optimal concert experience.

Percussion Academy

The State College Concert Percussion Academy, founded in 2006, is an educational percussion outreach program of the NVS. The program was founded and is instructed by Dr. James Latten (PSU Ph.D. 2003), Professor of Music at Juniata College and principal percussionist of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. SCCPA provides private lessons on all concert percussion instruments, marching percussion, and drum set to students in the State College, Bellefonte, Huntingdon, and Lewistown region. A percussion ensemble is also offered. For questions, or to enroll, contact Dr. Latten and SCCPA at 814-643-2871 or at [email protected]