CALL FOR SOLOISTS: Sing BEETHOVEN's CHORAL FANTASY in Chicago—Four $500 contracts

CHICAGO ORATORIO AWARD—deadline approaching February 25th.

Four $500 prizes, one each for soprano, mezzo-soprano (alto), tenor, baritone (bass), will be awarded as performance fees to soloists selected to appear under the baton of Maestro David Katz in concert with the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, performing the solo portions of  Beethoven's Choral Fantasy and the Quartet from Verdi's Rigoletto on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at St James Episcopal Cathedral, Chicago. (Dress rehearsal Tuesday evening, May 20, 2014, same location.)

This additional opportunity is offered as part of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards national competition and is open to 2014 applicants in the professional and college/university categories, only.

Each winner will receive a $500 all-inclusive fee (no additional housing, travel or per diem), payment to be made on the day of the performance. Although the Chicago Oratorio Award is an additional contest open to all professional and college/university applicants for The American Prize in Vocal Performance, 2014, it is geared primarily to those who live within comfortable travel distance of Chicago and/or who can make their own housing/travel arrangements.

Complete information, application forms and requirements: http://www.theamericanprize.org/vocalperf.html

Automatic postmark deadline extensions to Monday, February 25, 2014 are available to those email by that date with their intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

Vocal scores to the Beethoven and Verdi may downloaded here:
http://www.theamericanprize.org/artsong.html
(see link, middle of the page)

Questions? theamericanprize@gmail.com

PIANISTS WEIGH IN on the value of The American Prize experience

How valuable is The American Prize in Piano Performance to those who participate? We have received unsolicited emails from several laureates we are proud to share.

In the welter of media "noise" every day,  it is sometimes difficult for artists to get the recognition they so clearly deserve: we are pleased that The American Prize is helping to change that.

From Sarah Chan, winner of The American Prize in Piano Performance, professional division—concerto, and now a member of our distingushed panel of judges:

"I thank you for the objectives of your organization in encouraging many fine artists in their development. I am very thankful for the honor of The American Prize and am grateful for your continued support of excellence in music across this nation....Through The American Prize, your...efforts to encourage excellence in the arts at all levels nationally remain inspirational as a model of generosity, expressing the very soul of art."
  
—Sarah Chan, Assistant Professor of Music at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she is Director of Keyboard Studies and Music Theory in the Department of Fine Arts.

From Catharine Dornin, The American Prize in Piano Performance
3rd place, professional division, concerto

"I am so thrilled to have been a part of this competition and all the wonderful opportunities it offers to its finalists and winners. I'm delighted to have my picture on your website and to have won third place in the Concerto Performance Category in the Professional Division. I definitely saw the press release that the Concord Monitor, our local newspaper, ran in August concerning my award and I appreciate this recognition so very much. It is wonderfully helpful to me both as a performer and music teacher. 

I've received so many congratulations from friends and acquaintances. I've tried to explain to them how The American Prize is a new and wonderful award opportunity for artists who've been laboring in relative obscurity for years to have their performances listened to and adjudicated by highly qualified judges and to give those performers professional recognition that is just invaluable and is so very affirming.
 
It's so helpful to my musical career to have all this great support and recognition. It is just a wonderful idea! We are all so very grateful." 

—Catharine Dornin, faculty
St Paul's School and Concord Community Music School, Concord, NH

And this, from another distinguished member of the national judging panel for The American Prize in Piano Performance:

"you've created a new type of art music competition.  Fantastic!"

Michael Benson
Michael Benson is Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

*****

The American Prize is unique. A non-profit organization that focuses on recognizing and rewarding artists solely based on their recorded performances, contestants avoid the hassle and expense of traveling to competitions. Our distinguished panel of nationally recognized judges provides every contestant, from finalist to winner, with unbiased written evaluations. With no age limits and few repertoire restrictions and separate divisions for professional, college/university, high school and amateur artists, we assist artists in building careers, audiences and visibility.

The extended postmark deadline for The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2014, which includes separate competitions in solo performance and in concerto, is Monday, February 25, 2014.  Visit the The American Prize website for complete information, application forms, bios and photos of past winners, and more.

JUDITH LANG ZAIMONT: excerpts from evaluations of student works

The excerpts below derive from a series of evaluations written for The American Prize by the distinguished American composer and TAP judge, JUDITH LANG ZAIMONT. Ms. Zaimont helped adjudicate student orchestral works in 2013. 

To read about Ms. Zaimont's extraordinary career, please click here to reach the judges' biography page on our website.

Although judges have a great deal of leeway about the structure and length of the evaluations they provide, the excerpts below represent a sample of the quality of evaluative thought we aspire to provide to every contestant who reaches Finalist status or higher in the competitions of The American Prize.

“In reviewing student works, skillful handling of the orchestral medium is considered baseline competence. Beyond that one looks for imagination, inventiveness, an abundant musicality, fresh ideas, and especially, if the composer is capable of going beyond replicating familiar models. Another sign of true maturity is having developed a distinct take on harmony and rhythm, plus mastery in innovating forms – but these more often manifest later on.”  

“(The work displays) coherent and skillful use of the orchestra as an entire inflected instrument in itself. Exciting music, due largely to an active carving across the flow of beat, displaying a sophisticated and personal command of rhythm.”

“The instruments are used appropriately and effectively, both as individual colors and in terms of sectional strengths. The final third of the piece is excellent – both in its character and its distinct point. The flow of music across time is well-personalized. “

“This work is utterly original in its formal structure.  It uses minimal materials, almost insubstantial, but fitting. (It is) intimate, contained, ritual music that moves in a very human progress –  almost as if strands of thought come forward, linger in examination and then dissipate.”

“Without the spine of a distinctive anchoring harmony, the musical capture of  inhales – exhales seems overly long in getting to letter L (which is placed actually just shy of the golden mean).”

“Really novel the idea behind this piece, requiring an adventurous mind-set for all members of the orchestra...Structurally, the opening bars and the closing effect are striking. However, the overall orchestration  -- while precise on a chamber-ensemble scale --  falls short in gauging relative tone-weight for the several dramatic interjections. Singleton winds cannot compete in defined pronunciation with singleton brass. And the delicate string ostinato – which is most of the piece – would be most effective if it is not interrupted, continuing palely, even while the trio’s main music is being played.”

(Please note that judges' assignments are rotated regularly, based on their qualifications, areas of interest, years of service, and availability at any particular stage of the evaluation process.) 

INVITATIONS to PARTICIPATE in THE AMERICAN PRIZE contests, 2014

The American Prize invites performing artists, composers and administrators to participate in its 2014 series of national competitions in the performing arts.

POSTMARK DEADLINE 
for composers, classical vocalists, pianists and chamber music ensembles:
Thursday, February 13, 2014
 Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com


POSTMARK DEADLINE 
for conductors, instrumental & choral ensembles, stage directors, arts administrators (marketing), classical vocalists, pianists and chamber music ensembles:
Thursday, March 20, 2014
 Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

Here are links to the individual invitations:

GENERAL INVITATION (all 2014 contests):
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-participate-in.html

an invitation to COMPOSERS:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-composers.html

an invitation to CLASSICAL VOCALISTS:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-classical-vocalists.html

an invitation to PIANISTS:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-pianists.html

an invitation to CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-chamber-music-ensembles.html

an invitation to CONDUCTORS & INSTRUMENTAL & CHORAL ENSEMBLES:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-conductors-ensembles.html

an invitation to STAGE DIRECTORS & THEATER COMPANIES:
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-stage-directors.html

an invitation to ARTS ADMINISTRATORS (MARKETING):
http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-invitation-to-arts-administrators.html

An INVITATION to CONDUCTORS & Instrumental & Choral ENSEMBLES

An invitation to CONDUCTORS & ENSEMBLES to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

If you're a conductor, you and your ensemble have recordings. 

The American Prize wants to hear them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age ensembles & their conductors.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers. In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Conductors and Ensembles:
    The American Prize in Conducting
    The American Prize in Ensemble Performance
        Five divisions:    
                    orchestra
                    chorus
                    band/wind ensemble
                    opera
                    music theater
                    orchestral programming
                   
Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

AN INVITATION to participate in THE AMERICAN PRIZE, 2014

If you're a performing artist or composer, 
you have recordings.

The American Prize wants to hear them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age ensembles & their conductors.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Individuals & Small Ensembles:

Classical Vocalists—Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards:
        opera/operetta, art song/oratorio— plus Chicago Oratorio Award (additional             opportunity)
 
Pianists—solo, concerto
 
Composers—divisions for orchestral, choral, band and chamber music, new division for opera, music theater, theater or film music.
 
Chamber Music Ensembles

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

2014 National Competitions for conductors, stage directors, ensembles, arts administrators:

• Orchestras
• Choruses
• Bands/Wind Ensembles
• Opera and Musical Theater companies
• Conductors & Stage Directors
• Orchestral Programming—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award
• Arts Administrators/Arts Marketing

Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

An INVITATION to ARTS ADMINISTRATORS

An invitation to ARTS ADMINISTRATORS to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

If you're an arts administrator, you market your artist’s performances.

The American Prize wants to see your campaigns.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• Separate divisions for professional and community organizations.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Arts Administrators
    The American Prize in Arts Marketing
                   
Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send materials by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

An INVITATION to STAGE DIRECTORS & THEATER COMPANIES

An invitation to STAGE DIRECTORS & THEATER COMPANIES to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

If you're a stage director, you and your ensemble have recordings. 

The American Prize wants to see them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age companies & their directors.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers. In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Stage Directors & Theater Ensembles:
    The American Prize in Directing
    The American Prize in Theater Performance
        Three divisions:   
                    theater
                    music theater
                    opera
                                       
Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 20, 2014
Automatic extensions (until April 1) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

An INVITATION to CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES

An invitation to CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

If you're a member of a chamber music ensemble,
your group has recordings. 

The American Prize wants to hear them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age artists.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Chamber Ensembles:
The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance.
   
Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

AN INVITATION to COMPOSERS

An invitation to COMPOSERS to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com


If you're a composer, or teach composition,
you and your students have recordings. 

The American Prize wants to hear them.
 
The American Prize judges works that have already been performed.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No age limits.
• Previously read or performed works only.
• Separate divisions for professional and student composers.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Composers:
The American Prize in Composition:
    Five divisions:    
           music for orchestra
           music for chorus
           music for band/wind ensemble
           chamber music
           opera, musical theater, theater or film       
Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

AN INVITATION to CLASSICAL VOCALISTS

An invitation to CLASSICAL VOCALISTS to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

Friedrich Schorr as Wotan

If you're a classical vocalist, or voice teacher,
you and your students have recordings. 

The American Prize wants to hear them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age artists.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges, and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Vocalists:
The American Prize in Vocal Performance
    Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards:
    Two divisions:
        opera/operetta
        art song/oratorio
Plus: Chicago Oratorio Award (separate opportunity)
  
Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

AN INVITATION to PIANISTS

An invitation to PIANISTS to participate in The American Prize competitions, 2014, to earn the recognition and reward you have worked so hard to achieve.

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

***

If you're a classical pianist, or piano teacher,
you and your students have recordings. 

The American Prize wants to hear them.

Since 2010, The American Prize has provided evaluation, recognition and reward to America’s finest performing artists and composers. The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CD and DVD recordings. The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000 in prize money in all categories since 2010.

• No live competition. The American Prize judges recorded performance only.
• No age limits.
• Separate divisions for professional, college/university, community, or high school age artists.
• Few repertoire restrictions.
• Written evaluations to all contestants who rank “finalist” or higher.
• Personalized certificates to all participants.
• Cash prizes.
• Published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
• 1-page application form.
• Low application fees.
• Not-for-profit organization.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and past winners: www.theamericanprize.org

Winners of The American Prize receive cash awards, award certificates, and unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges, but more importantly, laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers.

In an age when the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

2014 National Competitions for Pianists:
The American Prize in Piano Performance:
    Two divisions:
        solo piano
        concerto
(piano duos and piano ensembles, please see the Chamber Music competition on the website.)

Postmark Deadline Thursday, February 13, 2014
Automatic extensions (until February 25) are available to those who need more time. Simply email the office directly to let us know of your intention to apply: theamericanprize@gmail.com

EASY:
1-page application form (on website—see "competitions" menu to download) www.theamericanprize.org
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

ABOUT YOUR RECORDINGS:
You need not prepare a special recording for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual or ensemble limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The competitions are open to US citizens living in this country or abroad and others studying or working in the U.S. There is no restriction against previous winners re-applying.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org
Questions: please email theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
HCMT—The American Prize
25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Danbury, CT  06811
203 746-2694

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

2013 WINNERS pages for COMPOSERS, PIANISTS, VOCALISTS updated

Happy New Year from The American Prize, now celebrating its 5th year.
Providing evaluation, recognition and reward to 

America's finest performing artists, ensembles and composers. 

The American Prize has awarded more than $25,000
in all categories since 2010.

2013 WINNERS' pages for COMPOSERS, PIANISTS and VOCALISTS have been updated on our website, where complete 2014 competition information may now be found. Please make us aware of any misprints. theamericanprize@gmail.com

COMPOSERS: http://www.theamericanprize.org/compwinners2012.html

PIANISTS: http://www.theamericanprize.org/pianowinners2012.html

VOCALISTS: http://www.theamericanprize.org/vocalwinners2012.html

NEW CONTESTS for 2014

The American Prize celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2014.

All 2014 competitions have now been updated on our website: www.theamericanprize.org

Contests for 2014 include those for classical vocalists, pianists, composers, conductors and performing arts ensembles.

NEW competitions in 2014:

Chamber Music Performance (Ensembles)
http://www.theamericanprize.org/ChamberPerformance.html

Stage Directors (theater, musical theater, opera)
http://www.theamericanprize.org/actors.html

Theater Performance:
http://www.theamericanprize.org/theaterperf.html

Arts Administrators/Arts Marketing
http://www.theamericanprize.org/adminmarketing.html

and for composers:

Music for Theater, Opera, Musical Theater and Film
http://www.theamericanprize.org/operamusictheater.html

See the website for deadlines and all requirements. Questions? Please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

Winners pages will be updated on the site shortly to include 2013 laureates.

***
Happy holidays from The American Prize!
Wishing all our Laureates, Judges and Friends a most happy, healthy and musical 2014.

2014 COMPETITION DEADLINES, and new contests, ANNOUNCED

The American Prize is pleased to announce a NEW contest in CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCE, 2014, for chamber ensembles of all kinds. Details here: http://www.theamericanprize.org/ChamberPerformance.html

The following Contest Information has been updated on our website for 2014:

Application deadline for these categories:
February 13, 2014

VOICE:
Opera/Operetta
Art Song/Oratorio
including the Chicago Oratorio Award (additional opportunity)

COMPOSITION:
Orchestra
Chorus
Concert Band
Chamber Music
new: Opera/Musical Theater/Stage/Film

PIANO:
Solo
Concerto

Additional contests for 2014 (and 2013 winners pages) will be updated shortly.

www.theamericanprize.org

***

Deadlines for the other 2014 competitions have been announced.

VOCALISTS, PIANISTS COMPOSERS:
Thursday, February 13, 2014

CONDUCTORS & ENSEMBLES: 
Thursday, March 20, 2014

NEW COMPETITIONS to be added in 2014:
Chamber Music Ensembles:
Thursday, February 13, 2014

Stage Directors, Arts Administrators:
Thursday, March 20, 2014

Updated information and application forms for the remaining contests will be posted to the website soon. www.theamericanprize.org

THE AMERICAN PRIZE online auction starts "BLACK" FRIDAY at 6 am!

The American Prize ONLINE AUCTION goes LIVE on "Black" Friday, November 29th at 6am.

Hundreds of performing arts items will be available—from the serious to the frivolous, including lots of printed music, recordings, books and more—for the serious musician and the casual music and performing arts lover.

You must be SIGNED UP for our e-newsletter to get the "secret" website address, (we'll send it in an email later in the week.) The website you can then SHARE with your family and friends.

Click the "get e-newsletter" button next to our LIKES on our FACEBOOK PAGE to sign up. (You can unsubscribe anytime and we never share your email address with anyone.)

Scroll down to learn more about how the auction works. Hope to "see" you Friday!

HERE's HOW it WORKS: The American Prize Online AUCTION

Hundreds of performing arts items, some at as much as 50-90% off retail, some unique and very special, will be available at The American Prize Online Auction, starting Friday, November 29th, but you must be signed up to receive "On TAP," our e-newsletter to get the private website address to participate in the sale.

Visit our Facebook page and click the "Get Newsletter" icon to sign up. (Don't worry, we never share your email address with anyone and you can unsubscribe at any time.) Or email us at theamericanprize@gmail.com to join.

SHOP our CATALOG—online, or download as a PDF (to be published later this month)
BID by email.
BUY through PAYPAL (or send check, or call with credit card.)

FOR THE SERIOUS MUSICIAN
and THE CASUAL MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS LOVER 
all in support of The American Prize national nonprofit competitions in the arts 

HERE's HOW the AUCTION WORKS:

A UNIQUE WEBSITE:
Once you sign-up for "On TAP," the e-newsletter of The American Prize, you will receive the address of our online auction website, where all the items will be listed. You'll be able to search by category, using the navigational links to the right of the listings, or just scroll top to bottom.

PRICES:
Minimum bids start at $5 or less for many, many items—some are as little as $2. Many others are listed at 50% or more off current retail.

A WEBSITE YOU CAN SHARE:
Although the TAP Online Auction is a private sale for TAP laureates and others who receive the e-newsletter, you can share the website address (and the sale) with your friends, family and colleagues.

A SPECIAL EMAIL for BIDDING
We have created a dedicated email address, tapauctionarts@gmail.com, where you can bid on items and ask questions.

A SIMPLE EXPERIENCE:
Each listing includes an item number and title, a photo, a short description (including the item's condition), and a "MINIMUM BID" amount.

1. Select the item(s) you are interested in.
2. Send us an email at tapauctionarts@gmail.com with the item number(s) and title(s), and the amount you would like to bid on each. (You must bid the minimum amount listed for the item, but you can bid more.)
3. We will confirm your bids.
4. If no one else bids on the item, it is yours. We'll email an invoice.
5. If more than one person is interested in an item, we will ask you by email if you want to bid a higher amount (increments of at least $1), until someone decides they have reached their limit. We then email an invoice to the highest bidder.

Payment is accepted through Paypal (preferred)—the link is on the site, or by check, or you can call with a credit card. We then send the item(s) with our sincere thanks. All payments must be made in U.S. funds.

BUY IT NOW:
Some items have a "Buy it Now" option at a higher price. It streamlines the process and allows you to buy the item outright without bidding. We invoice you, and the sale is done.

VERY LOW U.S. SHIPPING COSTS:
Orders up to $30—$5 shipping regardless of the number of items
Orders $31-$70—$8 shipping
Orders $71-$99—$11 shipping
Orders $100 or above: FREE SHIPPING

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: actual cost. We'll invoice you.

GUARANTEED EASY RETURNS:
If you are displeased with an item for any reason, you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price, minus shipping.

NO NONSENSE:
We are scrupulously honest: no fake bidders, no buyer's commission, no bait and switch. We'd simply like to raise some much-needed funds for our non-profit competitions and hope we'll have something you'd like to own.

THE VERY IMPORTANT DATES:
The website goes "live" with all the items listed on
Friday, November 25, 2013 at 6am
and concludes (no more bidding on new items)
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

AND PLEASE:
When you bid, consider it as a binding contract to buy the item at your chosen price (the minimum bid listed for the item or higher, if you choose.) We treat you fairly, we ask that you please do the same. A bid commits you to buy, please.

FOR MORE ABOUT what will be on the auction, please scroll down to the previous post.

QUESTIONS?
Email us at tapauctionarts@gmail.com

HUNDREDS of PERFORMING ARTS ITEMS some at 50-90% OFF retail!

Hundreds of performing arts items, some at as much as 50-90% off retail, some unique and very special, will be available at The American Prize Online Auction, coming November 29th, but you must be signed up to receive "On TAP," our e-newsletter to get the private website address to participate in the sale.

Visit our Facebook page and click the "Get Newsletter" icon to sign up. (Don't worry, we never share your email address with anyone and you can unsubscribe at any time.) Or email us at theamericanprize@gmail.com to join.

SHOP our CATALOG—online, or download as a PDF (to be published later this month)
BID by email.
BUY through PAYPAL (or send check, or call with credit card.)

FOR THE SERIOUS MUSICIAN
and THE CASUAL MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS LOVER 
all in support of The American Prize national nonprofit competitions in the arts

The first Online Auction of The American Prize features literally hundreds of performing arts items, running the gamut from the intensely serious (Willi Reich's guide to Berg's Wozzeck in the Musical Quarterly of January 1952) to the frivolous (an original 8x10 press photo of coloratura Lily Pons, whooping it up at a party); from the historical (a concert program from 1930 of Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra featuring Maurice Martentot playing his new "electrical instrument", the ondes martenot); to the modern (Muti conducting the Chicago Symphony.)

DISNEY to DEBUSSY:

There are Disney collectibles (including an original 1940 edition of a large hardcover book about Fantasia, full of extraordinary artwork reproductions from the movie), books by and about major musical, dance and theatrical figures from the 19th and 20th centuries, some of them autographed, recordings (both CDs and LPs, some quite rare), brochures, theater programs and other ephemera, music and theater magazines, a section of musical gifts, another for children, and lots of music—for pianists, vocalists, conductors, and chamber musicians, music educators, studio teachers.

TAP LAUREATE DONATIONS:

A number of the listings were donated by or feature laureates of The American Prize, and we may be proudest of those.

HERE ARE THE CATEGORIES of ITEMS:

as of today. (More items are being added every day until the auction opens.)

BOOKS on MUSIC

BOOK on THEATER, MOVIES, TELEVISION, VISUAL ARTS, also THEATER PROGRAMS, PLAY SCRIPTS:

OPERA: Vocal scores, libretti, Opera News back-issues

CHORAL MUSIC

SOLO VOCAL MUSIC, art song, opera, oratorio

PIANO MUSIC

CHAMBER MUSIC of all KINDS

ORCHESTRAL MUSIC, scores and full sets of parts

TAP LAUREATE SECTION

PERFORMING ARTS-related PHOTOGRAPHS & AUTOGRAPHS

SPECIAL or UNUSUAL ITEMS

MUSICAL GIFTS of all kinds

MUSIC MAGAZINES, brochures, catalogs, ephemera (except Opera News & Musical America—see separate listings)

RECORDINGS: CDs, LPs

CHILDREN's DEPARTMENT (arts gifts for kids)

MUSICAL AMERICA INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY back issues

BUILDING A COMMUNITY:

The aim of The American Prize Online Auction is to offer "something for most," with a goal to raise money to help our unique nonprofit competitions prosper, but also to continue to build a community of friends and colleagues centered around The American Prize experience—to create a loose extended family of like-minded (and wonderfully talented) artists from all across the U.S. and beyond, who occasionally work together, sharing their news and sharing their successes.

THE VERY IMPORTANT DATES:

The website goes "live" with all the items listed on
Friday, November 29, 2013 at 6am

and concludes (no more bidding on new items)
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

QUESTIONS?
Email us at theamericanprize@gmail.com

NEXT TIME on our blog: How the auction works.

ALL 2013 CONDUCTOR and ENSEMBLE winner LINKS

We have combined some blog posts to make it easier to find 2013 ensemble and conductor winners, runners-up and citation recipients by category. Please click on the links below to be taken directly to the listings:

ORCHESTRAS:

ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING:

ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING:

CHORUSES:

CHORAL CONDUCTING:

OPERA DIVISION: ensembles and conductors

BAND/WIND ENSEMBLES and their CONDUCTORS:

BAND/WIND ENSEMBLE & CONDUCTOR winners

The American Prize  is pleased to announce 2013 ENSEMBLE and CONDUCTOR WINNERS in the band/wind ensemble division.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance

The American Prize winner:  
Kennesaw State Univ. Wind Ensemble   David Thomas Kehler, director—Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State Univ. Wind Ensemble

Formed in 1996, the Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble performs a diverse repertoire for winds and percussion encompassing chamber music, wind ensemble repertoire, and works for large bands. Advocating new music, the KSU Wind Ensemble has commissioned leading composers to write new works for wind ensemble, including Michael Markowski, Joel Puckett, James Stephenson, Christopher Theofanidis, Steven Bryant, and an upcoming commission by Pulitzer Prize winner, Joseph Schwantner. Because of KSU’s close relationship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Opera Orchestra, collaboration and performances have resulted with many of those principal players. Most recently, the KSU Wind Ensemble was invited and featured as an ensemble at the 2012 Southern Division College Band Directors National Association Association Conference.  The KSU Wind Ensemble continues to be an important cultural musical voice in Atlanta, and has been featured in several performances on 90.1 FM, WABE- Atlanta public radio.

Among judges' comments: "Great brass sound. Good pitch and style. This is a very well rehearsed group. All sections have excellent tone, including percussion. Precise ensemble throughout."


2nd Place:
Clear Creek High School Wind Ensemble   Stephen Meyer, director—League City, TX

Clear Creek High School Wind Ensemble

Clear Creek High School is located in League City, Texas, just south of Houston near the NASA Johnson Space Center. The Clear Creek Wind Ensemble is the top-performing group of three curricular concert ensembles and has had a long tradition of excellence in music performance and artistry, earning exclusively superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest for over twenty years. In 2012, the Wind Ensemble was a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors competition. Members of this ensemble study privately and participate in the All-Region, All-Area, and All-State bands as well as Solo and Ensemble contest each year.

Among judges' comments: "...it is a very good performance...one of the top HS Wind Ensembles in the country, I would venture to say. Overall score 90."


3rd Place:
Frederick Fennell Wind Ensemble   Teren  Shaffer, director—Santa Ana, CA

Frederick Fennell Wind Ensemble

The Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program was created in 2003 by a generous contribution in honor of legendary conductor Frederick Fennell. The Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program offers a comprehensive wind studies education that allows students to enroll in masterclasses, work with an inspiring caliber of guest artists, and attend festivals/field trips. The program also provides students with the opportunity to perform in large ensembles, as well as chamber ensembles. The Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program provides a focused, high-level, quality education to instrumental music students. The Wind Ensemble, conducted by Teren Shaffer, is recognized for high achievement throughout the country. Regularly earning unanimous superior ratings at festivals, the ensemble won second place in 2012 for The American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance. In February 2013, the group was featured as the only high school band to represent the state in a performance at the California All-State Music Educators Conference. 

Among judges comments: "Excellent energy and ensemble...quite a good group. Appropriate rep was performed and done well."

***

The American Prize in Conducting—Band/Wind Ensemble division
The American Prize winner:    
Christopher Unger   Eastman Wind Ensemble/Eastman Wind Orchestra   Rochester, NY

Christopher Unger

Christopher Unger is a graduate student at the Eastman School of Music where he studies conducting with Dr. Mark Scatterday.  Unger currently serves as the Assistant Conductor of both the Eastman Wind Orchestra and the Eastman Wind Ensemble.   In 2011, he received both a Frederick Fennell Fellowship for Advanced Conducting study and the prestigious Evan Whallon Conducting Award.  His role at Eastman provided him with the opportunity to act as a producer on the Eastman Wind Ensemble’s 2013 release Stravinsky-Octet/L’Histoire du Soldat.  Unger has actively participated in conducting symposia across North America including the New England Conservatory’s Conductors Forum, the Frederick Fennell Memorial Masterclass, and the University of Michigan’s Summer Conducting Workshop.

Among judges' comments: "Good stick and energy. Good ensemble playing. Lovely hands and well shaped phrases."


2nd Place:
Thanapol Setabrahmana   CCM Wind Studies      Cincinnati, OH

Thanapol Setabrahmana

Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Thanapol Setabrahmana holds a Master of Music degree in Wind Ensemble Conducting from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Mahidol University, Thailand. He has been invited to participate in several international conducting masterclasses and performances in Europe and the United States. He has worked with several conducting pedagogues such as Gustav Meier, Larry Rachleff, Leonid Kochmar, Donato Renzetti, Donald Hunsberger, H. Robert Reynolds, Mark Gibson, Neil Varon, and Donald Schleicher among others.

While studying in Thailand, Thanapol conducted Mahidol University Symphonic Band, Mahidol University Symphony Orchestra, Mahidol Young Artists Band, Assumption College Band, and ad hoc new music ensembles.

Thanapol is currently a doctoral conducting associate at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he regularly conducts ensembles under CCM Winds Studies, including CCM Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Chamber Players. He also guest conducts CCM Brass Choir and Cafè MoMus Contemporary Ensemble. His mentors include Christopher Hughes, Charles Peltz, and Glenn D. Price.

Among judges comments: "...this is a first class musician. Good control over his scores and very solid technique."


3rd Place:
Joel Bein   High Desert Winds   Santa Fe, NM

Joel Bein

Joel Bein is currently Conductor of the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the High Desert Winds, and Director of Bands at El Dorado Community School in Santa Fe, where his middle school bands have received Superior ratings at NCNMMEA festivals.  In workshop, Mr. Bein has worked with conductors such as Craig Kirchhoff, H. Robert Reynolds, Mallory Thompson, Richard Floyd, Eugene Corporon, and Michael Haithcock. He received the Bachelor's in Music Education from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, where he studied conducting with Brian Doyle, and where he was Music Director of the Clarkson University Orchestra.  In April 2013 he served as guest conductor for the Concordia Santa Fe Wind Ensemble, conducting Kurt Weill's Kleine Dreigroschenmusik.  With the Santa Fe Youth Symphony, he has collaborated with violinist/conductor Guillermo Figueroa as well as Jared Baca, premiering the composer's chamber work for winds, Ascension, in May 2013.

Among judges comments: "Very solid pulse. Clear stick. Tempo changes handled well."
 
***Congratulations to all winners and runners-up.