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Winds, Brass & Percussion Concerto Competition

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for Winds, Brass & Percussion students at Western to compete to perform a concerto with the Western University Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band. All undergraduate, diploma, and masters woodwind, brass, and percussion students who are enrolled in a large instrumental ensemble and private lessons at Western are eligible to compete in this competition. Multi-player concerti (duos, trios) are acceptable, but all performers must be current students (ie. with the above large ensemble/lesson eligibilities met).

The Competition is held mid-September with the performance held in the same academic year.

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2025-26 Competition 

Dates

Round 1

Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 7-9pm
von Kuster Hall 

Every applicant will be expected to play approximately 4-5 minutes of the concerto. Applicants may select which section(s) of the work to perform, provided that at least half of the performance includes accompaniment. A select number of applicants from Round 1 will be asked to perform in Round 2.

Round 2

Friday, Sept. 26 | 4-5pm
von Kuster Hall

Selected applicants will be expected to perform the complete selection, “top to bottom”, as it would be in the final ensemble performance.

Rules and Regulations 

Eligibility

• All Western undergraduate, diploma certificate and masters students are eligible to compete.
• Competitors must currently be enrolled in a large instrumental ensemble at Western.
• Competitors must currently be enrolled in WBP studio instruction or previously have taken at least 2 years of WBP studio instruction at Western.
• Competitor must not have won in a previous year.

Rules

• Competitors must compete with the same piece they wish to perform.
• Competitors must perform with piano accompaniment.
• Length of piece: 6–8 minutes preferred, 10 minutes max.
• Piece must be selected from the current approved repertoire list to be eligible.
• Ensemble conductor will determine performance date.

Procedure

• Complete and submit a registration form by 5pm, Friday, Sept. 19. A location and program order will be e-mailed to all participants nearing the event. 
• Performers are responsible to communicate in advance with their collaborative pianists to ensure they are available for the full duration of the competition. Accommodations cannot be required.
• Please bring 1 copy of the score to the performance for the jury panel.
• The live rounds are not open to the public, but studio instructors may attend.
• Performers should be ready 10 minutes prior and standing near the designated door. Someone will direct you to the backstage and stage when it is your turn.

Registration

Register

 

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Past Winners

2024-25

Finn Inglis, clarinet

Winner’s performance
February 7, 2025
Paul Davenport Theatre

2023-24

Isaac Lee, percussion

Winner’s performance
Feb 10, 2024
Paul Davenport Theatre

2022-23

Biz Tucker, oboe

Winner’s performance
Feb 10, 2023
Paul Davenport Theatre

2021-22

Emily Carmichael, trumpet

Winner’s performance
March 25, 2022
Paul Davenport Theatre

2020-21

Gillian Derer, flute

Winner’s performance
March 26, 2021
Paul Davenport Theatre

2019-20

Tracey Kennedy, flute

Winner’s performance
February 11, 2020
Paul Davenport Theatre

2018-19

Quincy Doenges, percussion

Winner’s performance
February 14, 2019
Paul Davenport Theatre

 

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Contact Information 

Jana Starling
519-661-2111 x84326
jstarli@uwo.ca