Young musicians grades 3-12 can apply for two programs hosted by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Friends.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic news release:
Philharmonic Friends Hosting Concerto Competition,
Scholarships
Applications now open for the Young Artist Competition and the Fort Wayne
Philharmonic Friends Student Scholarship ProgramFort Wayne, Indiana (October 9, 2026) — Young musicians grades 3-12 can apply for two programs hosted by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Friends. The Student Scholarship application deadline is October 16, 2026. The Young Artist Concerto Competition application deadline is November 7, 2026. For more information on the programs and applications, please visit: fwphil.org/friends-of-fwphil/.
Philharmonic Friends Student Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial aid to promising elementary and/or secondary orchestral instrument and/or vocal students who need assistance in meeting the cost of private lessons during the coming 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarships will be awarded for eight to twelve lessons depending on the need, merit and number of students applying. A check will be issued to the private instructor upon receipt of the “Letter of Intent” form co-
signed by teacher and student.
- Applicants must be in grades 3-12 for the 2026-2027 school year
- Vocal students must be at least 13 years old (male voices must have changed)
- Instruments must be orchestral instruments (includes piano & organ)
- Application must be complete and returned by the deadline
- Teacher Recommendation Form is to be submitted by music instructor/teacher (mailed by teacher)
October 16, 2026 is the postmark deadline for all applications. Student application forms and Teacher Recommendation forms may be mailed separately, but all forms must be on time. Please mail materials to:
Catherine Duchovic
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Friends Scholarship Committee
9113 Yellow Tree Court
Fort Wayne, IN 46804All applicants will be notified of scholarship awards after the scholarship committee meets in November.
Young Artist Solo Concerto Competition
When:
Saturday, November 21, 2026Where:
The Philharmonic Center
826 Ewing Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802Eligibility:
Participants must live within a 150 mile radius of Fort Wayne. Entrants must have studied with their present teacher for at least six months. Previous winners may not enter the same division on the same instrument.Divisions:
Junior: Through age 13
Senior: Ages 14 -18
Both groups are as of December 31, 2026Scholarship Awards:
- Senior Division Winner: $1,000.00
- Senior Division Runner-Up: $750.00
- Junior Division Winner: $500.00
- Junior Division Runner-Up: $250.00
The winner of the Senior Competition will be performing with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at their Family Series Concert at the PFW Music Center on Saturday, March 6, 2027 at 11:00 a.m.
Rules:
Entrants perform a movement from a concerto or other standard orchestral work for solo instrument with published accompaniment. The length of the audition piece, with orchestral introduction and interludes, should be about 10 minutes in length. Selections may be performed by memory but this is not required. All performers need to provide their own accompanist for the audition. Instruments allowed to audition are any member of the String, Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion families as well as Piano or Organ.Application Deadline:
Saturday, November 7, 2026, or when competition is filled. Entry payment is due the same time information is submitted. You will receive a confirmation email when your information is received.Cost:
There is a non-refundable fee of $30.00 due with the application. All participants will receive a voucher for two tickets to one of the orchestra’s Masterworks Series events of their choice.Information:
Applicants will be sent detailed information about one week before the competition date that will include the time they are scheduled to perform and a how to locate The Philharmonic Center. The competition is managed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Friends. All inquiries about the competition should be made to Laura McCoy, competition chairperson, at LauraMcCoy56@gmail.com or at (260) 414-4509.
About the Fort Wayne Philharmonic
For more information and to view available concerts, visit the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s website at fwphil.org. Now entering its 83rd season, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is Northeast Indiana’s professional symphony orchestra, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music through exceptional live erformances and educational experiences. Under the leadership of President and CEO Brittany Hall, and with the support of its Board of Directors, musicians and staff, the Philharmonic is committed to being a vibrant, innovative and financially strong cultural institution and a cornerstone of the regional community. Through performances, education and community engagement, the Philharmonic creates inspiring experiences for audiences of all ages and backgrounds across a variety of styles, media and venues.
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