YOUNG MUSICIAN COMPETITION

The Angela Schuster Svendsen Memorial Young Musician Competition

If you are a music student who takes private lessons or participates in a school music program, we encourage you to enter the Wenatchee Valley Symphony’s Young Musician Competition for a chance to earn the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the WVSO and receive a significant monetary award!

Application Steps

  1. Read the rules.

  2. Complete both entry forms. Student Form Teacher Form

  3. Pay the $30 application fee.

Eligibility

The Competition is open to students in North Central Washington residing in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan Counties. Previous first place winners are ineligible. There are two divisions: 

  • Competitive Division — Students who are in grades 10–12 may compete for monetary awards.

  • Non-competitive Division — Students who are in grades 7–9 may participate for experience and adjudication only. They are not eligible for monetary awards.

Monetary Award

First Place
$3,000 monetary award, a commemorative plaque, and the opportunity to perform their piece with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra at a concert during the following season. 

Second Place 
$2,000 monetary award award and a commemorative plaque.

Third Place 
$500 monetary award award and a commemorative plaque.

Meet our 2025 Winners

  • Jessie Evans - Violin First Place

    Jessie Evans is a sophomore at Wenatchee High School. She has played violin since the age of four and studies under Kerry Travers. She is a member of the Wenatchee High School’s Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Jazz Choir. In addition to music, she is involved in the musical theater community and teaches ski lessons at Mission Ridge. She loves performing, spending time with friends, and being outdoors.

  • Ben Newman - Cello 2nd Place

    Ben Newman is a sophomore at Wenatchee High School. He has played cello since age ten under Michelle Williams, and currently plays in Wenatchee High School’s Chamber Orchestra. In addition to cello, he has played piano since age 7. He hopes to continue playing music through college. Outside of music, he enjoys running, baking, math competitions, consuming lots of candy, and watching Modern Family.

  • Jesse Hix - Pianist 3rd Third Place

    Jesse Hix is a Senior at Eastmont High School, and has been taking piano lessons for 11 years. Music is in all corners of his life: in school, at home, and even at church. In addition to piano, he plays French Horn, Baritone Saxophone, and Alto Saxophone in the school band. He is on the track and field team, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves learning new things. He has a passion for math and science and wants to pursue engineering and music after high school.