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Overview

Are you a passionate concert band musician looking for an opportunity to shine as a soloist? The 2025-26 Fredericksburg Concert Band High School Concert Band Concerto Competition invites students to showcase their talents by performing a solo piece accompanied by a full concert band. This is your chance to perform, compete, and be recognized among talented peers!

Eligibility

·       Open to all high school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12.  This includes both school and home-school students within the greater Fredericksburg area, to include the Fredericksburg city, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, and Caroline County.

·       Student members of the Fredericksburg Concert Band may apply, though children of members of the Fredericksburg Concert Band are ineligible.

·       Eligible instruments include flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, and mallet percussion.

·       Students must participate as soloists.

Repertoire Requirements

·       Select a concerto or solo piece written or arranged for your instrument with concert band accompaniment.  A recommended list of concertos is provided.  If you select a piece that is not on the recommend list…

o   It must be approved by the FCB Conductor.

o   It must be available for purchase with an arrangement for soloist with concert band accompaniment.

·       Pieces must demonstrate the soloist’s technical skill, musicality, and ability to project over the band.  Pieces may be movements or excerpts of larger works.

·       Arrangements must feature the soloist prominently throughout the selection.

·       Only one entry per student will be accepted.

Submission Guidelines

1.      Select a piece and complete the application form.

2.      Record a video performance of your chosen piece either as a solo or with piano accompaniment

3.      Ensure your instrument is clearly visible and audible throughout the video.

4.      Videos should be unedited and filmed in a single take.

5.      Submit the video.  (Submission instructions to follow)

6.      Finalists will audition in person on February 25, 2026.  Finalists will be expected to provide their own accompanists if needed.

Judging Criteria Areas (in no particular order)

·       Tone Quality

·       Intonation

·       Technique and Facility

·       Interpretation and Musicianship

·       Difficulty and Mastery (piece memorization not required)

·       Stage Presence and Professionalism

·       Video Quality and Compliance

·       Overall Artistic Impact

Important Dates

·       Application Deadline – December 31, 2025

·       Video Submission Deadline – January 31 2026

·       Finalists Announced – February 15, 2026

·       Finalist In-Person Audition – February 25, 2026

·       Winner Announced – March 1, 2026

·       Performance at FCB Spring Concert – May 2, 2026 at James Monroe High School

o   Dress will be formal – boys will wear tuxedo, girls will wear floor length black dress

Prizes and Recognition

·       One winner will be invited to perform with the FCB at our Spring Concert on May 2, 2026, receive a plaque, and a cash prize of $500.

How to Get Started

1.      Consult your band director for suggestions on repertoire.

2.      Begin preparing your solo as soon as possible.

3.      Review the submission guidelines and important dates carefully.

4.      Reach out to the competition coordinator if you have any questions.

Contact Information

For questions or further details, please contact:

Competition Coordinator: Trey Talmadge

Email: fredericksburgconcertband.org

The Fredericksburg Concert Band reserves the right to cancel this event if there are not enough applicants.