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 college scholarship!

Application Steps

  1. Read the rules.

  2. Complete both entry forms.

  3. Pay the $30 application fee.

Eligibility

The Scholarship 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 scholarship awards.

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

Scholarship Awards

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

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

Third Place 
$500 scholarship award and a commemorative plaque.

Meet our 2024 Winners

  • Emily Von Reis - Cellist First Place

    Emily is a senior at Wenatchee High School. She has been playing cello since the age of four, and is currently studying under Michelle Williams and Professor John Michel of Central Washington University. She also teaches private cello lessons. Emily has been playing with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra since her sophomore year, joining as a seated musician in fall of 2023. In addition to music, Emily enjoys reading, art, science, and the outdoors. She plans to study biology and music in college.

  • Jesse Hix - Pianist 2nd Place

    Jesse Hix is a Junior at Eastmont High School, and has been taking piano lessons for 10 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.

  • Savannah Webb - Voice Third Place

    Savannah Webb is a senior at Wenatchee High School and a part time student at Wenatchee Valley College. She has been involved with music since a very young age. She enjoys performing as well as teaching music. She is involved in theater in the community as well as classical voice, and has had many teaching opportunities through her private studio and through organizations. She loves making music with others. She is moving forward with her music career, she plans to major in vocal performance starting fall 2024.