In 2025 we are accepting solo applications for woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists only. (Note: 2026’s competition will be reserved for string instruments only.)

Musicians should apply in one of two age-related categories:

• Youth: High School students grades 9-12
• Young Adult: Post-high school adults to age 25

Residence requirements: In keeping with the promotion of the musical arts in the East Tennessee region, applicants must be residents of or students in the East Tennessee area (including areas of nearby surrounding states). Winners must be available in person in Knoxville, TN to participate in the Sunday afternoon fall concert on Sept. 28, 2025 at 4:30 pm as well as at the dress rehearsal on the evening of Sept. 25 at 7 pm (the Thursday before the concert). We would like to have at least one other previous Thursday evening rehearsal, which can be arranged.

• Repertoire performed must be from a standard concerto.
• Music may be a single movement from a concerto or multiple movements or sections totaling no more than 12 minutes.
• We do NOT require that you memorize your music.
• Contestant must be accompanied by piano during the recording. Acquiring piano accompaniment is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
• Accompanying orchestral parts for the winning entrant must be readily available for Scruffy City Orchestra to obtain.
  • We do not require that your music be in the public domain. SCO will cover the cost of the winners’ orchestral music purchase or rental and any copyright fees.

• Scruffy City Orchestra reserves the right to decide if there is no winner or if there are multiple winners in any given category.
• Winner(s) will receive a certificate and the opportunity to solo with Scruffy City Orchestra during their fall concert.
• Location of rehearsals and concert: The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN (aka “Sacred Heart Cathedral”).
  • Note: Subject to last minute changes, standard rehearsals will be in the cafeteria area. The dress rehearsal and concert will be in the sanctuary.
• Winner(s) MUST be available for rehearsals and to play with Scruffy City Orchestra during the fall concert or they will be disqualified.
• As is possible, winner(s) will arrange with conductor Ace Edewards to be available for rehearsals with the orchestra at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings before the fall concert at the Cathedral. Some flexibility may be possible.

We do NOT expect this to be a professional studio recording! A good recording from an iPhone or similar equipment will be fine.

Please have piano accompaniment during your audition recording (we do not need to see the piano – just hear it). We do not require that you memorize your music, but please do not let your stand block you on the video if you read the music. If already recorded, your audition video must be less than a year old and must meet the music requirement guidelines.

No video or audio editing or enhancement that affects the performance is allowed on your audition recording.

Video Set-Up:

• We recommend using a tripod.
• Make sure we can see and hear you and your instrument properly.
  • We do not need to see your accompaniment (just hear it).
• Horizontal/landscape orientation is preferred from no more than 10 feet away.
• Record yourself “straight on”, not from a high or low angle.
• Do not allow your music stand to block you if you use your music. The judges need to see you and your instrument.
• Use an uncluttered environment.
• Avoid light behind you.
• Make sure microphones are clear of obstruction and are close enough (about 3-6 ft. away) to pick up your sound properly.
• Use the highest fidelity for your audio recording.
• Review what you’ve done on a computer to make sure your recording plays without any problems, is clear, and has the audio and visual in sync.
• You may record your audition as many times as you want and upload your favorite version – but what you finally use must be done in one “take”.

Video Submission:

• Submit your audition video as a YouTube link.
  • Upload your videos to YouTube as a public or unlisted video (do not list the video as private)
  • Enter the link on the Application Form.

Please spend about a minute or so informally talking about yourself so we can get to know you. This can be a short separate video from your audition that you can record at any time, but it must be submitted with your other materials.

• Submit your About Me video as a YouTube link.
  • Upload your videos to YouTube as a public or unlisted video (do not list the video as private)
  • Enter a link to your video on the Application Form.

Below are some ideas for introducing yourself to the judges in your About Me video, but please include anything you feel is important about YOU, musical or not.

• Introduce yourself with your name and competition category (Youth or Young Adult).
• How long have you been playing?
• Why did you pick this instrument?
• Do you play any other instruments?
• What are your favorite kinds of pieces to play?
• What other things do you like to do or are involved in?
• Do you have any special or favorite information you’d like to share?

• Be sure to apply by the midnight on the deadline date.
• Fill out the 2025 Concerto Competition Application Form and pay your application fee by choosing the “Apply Here” button at the top of this page.
• Include your audition and About Me video YouTube links on your Application Form.
  • Upload your videos to YouTube as public or unlisted videos (do not list the videos as private)
  • Enter the links in the appropriate place on the Application Form.

For questions about suitability of repertoire and rehearsal dates:
Contact SCO conductor Ace Edewards at AceEdewards@gmail.com in advance of your registration submission for repertoire questions. If you are a winner, Dr. Edewards will be your contact for working out any extra rehearsal dates.

For questions about the competition, video details or any other questions:
Contact Melissa McCoy, SCO Concerto Competition Chairperson, at SCOPublicity@gmail.com.

For more information about the Cathedral Concert Series or to view past performances:
Visit https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/.
The most recent SCO concert performance is also available most of our main website pages.