Sponsored by the Symphony Volunteer Council, the Lois Pickard Concerto Competition is open to talented and dedicated young musicians ages 12 through high school seniors. Students of strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and piano are eligible to compete in one performance category. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and reside in the state of Alabama.

Scholarships are awarded to first- and second-place winners in each of three divisions: Strings, Piano, and Brass/Woodwinds/Percussion. First-place scholarships are $1,500, and second-place scholarships are $750. Previous first-place winners may re-enter the competition after a two-year absence.

Scholarship recipients are required to perform at the annual Lois Pickard Scholarship Award Luncheon, where scholarships are presented each spring.

For more information about the competition and upcoming scholarship opportunities, please contact Linda Griggs at lvgriggs@gmail.com.

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2027 Lois Pickard Concerto Competition

Competition Date

To Be Announced

Participation is limited to the first 30 registered students.

Location
University of Montevallo
Maxine Couch Davis Hall
Highland Street, Montevallo, AL  35115

Scholarship Award Luncheon

Date: To Be Determined

Repertoire
Acceptable literature for the competition includes one movement only from the standard concerto repertoire written for the entrant's instrument. If limited concerto repertoire exists, please check to see if another piece with orchestral accompaniment is acceptable. A copy of the work to be performed must be provided to the judges. Xerox copies are not acceptable. The decision of the judges is final. The judges reserve the right to omit the awarding of a scholarship if they deem there is no winner.

Time Limit
Maximum time of performance is 15 minutes, and all accompanists are urged to cut orchestral interludes. Time may be called if performance exceeds 15 minutes.

Accompanists
All entrants must perform with a live accompaniment. Accompanists are the responsibility of each entrant.

Performance Time
Entrants will be notified by email several days prior to the competition with their approximate performance time. The competition begins at 8:30 a.m. with contestants to be scheduled in instrumental groups. No schedule changes are possible. Entrants must note on the application form any expected time conflicts in scheduling their audition time.

Warm-Up Facilities
Practice rooms will be available for warm-ups. You should plan to be 45 minutes to an hour early to be assured of a warm-up room.