$3 Youth TicketsThe Baroque Festival offers donor-subsidized $3 tickets for youth in an effort to bring young audiences to our early music concerts. Ticket for all college students (with ID) are $6.
Youth Volunteers
We welcome high school volunteers who would like to fulfill community service credit requirements by assisting us at concerts as ushers, giving input on youth outreach at board meetings, and other tasks. Please email us if you are interested, and we will send you sign-up form.
Youth Chamber Music Competition
Since 2003 SC Baroque Festival has offered an annual Youth Chamber Music Competition in order to encourage young music students to participate in chamber music ensembles. The competition is open to chamber ensembles consisting of Santa Cruz-county and Santa Clara-county(*) student musicians in grades 9-12 (Santa Clara-county student musicians admitted on a space-available basis). In order to participate in the competition's auditions, a competition entry form must be submitted on behalf of each group (please see form and annual timeline below). Each member of the winning ensemble receives $100 up to a total of $400 and performs during the Baroque Festival's Season Concert II. Second place winners receive $50 each up to a total of $200 and are recognized along with honorable-mention award groups. While groups are encouraged to compete by playing Baroque and other early music (pre-1750), the competition is also open to instrumental ensembles performing Classical and Romantic concert repertoire.
Letter & Competition Entry Form 2013
Deadline for receipt of Competition Entry Form:
Saturday, FEBRUARY 16, 2013.
This competition has been generously supported by
the David E. Kaun Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.
The Baroque Festival congratulates the winners of the 2012 Youth Chamber Music Competition: Dvorak Piano Trio
Tyler Hayford (piano), Gloria Liou (violin) & Alex Nguyen (cello)
playing selections of Antonin Dvorak's, Dumky Trio, Op 90 (more info)
To view information on past competition ensembles and their repertoire, please Click Here
(Please check for specific dates on the current Competition Entry Form or contact us).
- Early December: Competition notices sent out via email and mail to teachers on our mailing list. Note: Competition Entry Forms may be obtained on our website, by emailing us, or by calling 831-457-9693. To be included in our notification list for our upcoming competition, please contact us.
- Mid February: Deadline for receipt of competition entry forms.
- Late February: Auditions by appointment and upon receipt of competition entry forms.
- March: Awards Ceremony at SCBF's Concert II, starting at 7:30pm. By entering the competition all applicants affirm their availability to participate in the auditions in February, and, in the case that their ensemble receives first prize, to perform at the awards ceremony. Free tickets to attend SCBF's Concert II and awards ceremony will be available to all competitors and their families.
(To email us further questions, please use the email link in the page footer).
Does the repertoire have to be baroque or early music?
No. While we encourage students to explore this repertoire, the competition is judged solely on musical merits. Repertoire from all periods in the European classical tradition is welcome. Ideally your selection should exhibit the best of your group's playing as ensemble!
How many movements does our group need to prepare?
There is no required number of movement. The performance limit is 10 minutes. Most groups prepare one selection.
Are there any specific requirements for playing several movements (era, tempo, style, etc.)?
No. We simply encourage groups to present 10 minutes of their best repertoire.
What counts as a chamber group?
An ensemble ranging from 2 to 10 players. Duos are also welcome.
Are singers admitted to the competition?
Yes, singers are welcome to enter the competition as part of a chamber ensemble.
Can a student enter the competition as part of more than one ensemble?
At this time, yes.
Is there a fee for participating?
No, there is no fee. However, the SCBF is a non-profit concert series that operates on an annual break-even budget. If you wish to support our efforts, we of course would very much appreciate any additional donations (see link below or contact us).
How can I/my student/my child find a chamber group to play in?
Good question! I would start out by asking your music teacher for possible match ups with other students of the same studio or colleagues. You can also ask your band or orchestra teacher for suggestions. Other potential resources could be a community music school, or youth symphony program in your area, and if you live in Santa Cruz, you might try out for the 'Celebrating Youth' program of the Santa Cruz Chamber Players. Forming a chamber ensemble requires a little bit of extra commitment, but it is all the more rewarding.
What level of musicianship is expected?
Because this competition is for high school students, most competiting students play at an advanced level. However, the objective of the competition is to give music students further incentive to pursue chamber music, and we encourage new entrants to try out for the competition, even if your group is not certain about winning! Students not yet in high school are also welcome to enter.
