The Palatine Concert Band is proud to continue our commitment to supporting young musicians by hosting our 2027 Student Soloist Contest.

The selected student soloist will perform with the band on Sunday, April 25, 2027, at 3:30 p.m. at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center in Palatine, IL. The winner will also receive a $500 cash award.

The 2026 winner was Oscar Soto, flutist, a sophomore at John Hersey High School and he was a rousing success. If you're interested, a list of past winners is near the bottom of our History page: https://palatineconcertband.org/history

Application & Audition Information:

  1. The contest is open to currently enrolled high school students
  2. A parent's or guardian's consent is required for applicants under the age of 18
  3. Applicants must be endorsed by their band directors and, if applicable, their private music teachers
  4. A previous contest winner must skip a year before entering the contest again. Example: the 2026 winner is not eligible for 2027, but may audition in 2028
  5. Deadline for submitting your application is January 15, 2027
  6. Auditions will be held Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the Palatine Park District’s Community Center, Room 1B, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Specific audition times will be assigned once all applications are received and processed
  7. Each applicant must select a piece for woodwind, brass, percussion instrument, or piano for which a band arrangement is available and audition on that piece with piano accompaniment. The accompanist must be provided by the student. Your musical selection should be appropriate for a solo contest in both length and content
  8. The selected soloist will be announced via e-mail after all auditions are complete and the audition committee has reviewed the results
  9. The selected soloist must also attend at least one Tuesday evening rehearsal (7:30 - 9:30 p.m.), plus the dress rehearsal on Tuesday, April 20, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.
  10. By entering the contest, the applicant agrees that the Palatine Concert Band may use the student’s name, image, and likeness at the band's discretion for promotional purposes without further compensation to the student

All decisions are final. The audition committee reserves the right not to select a soloist. In this case, no prize will be awarded.

To submit your application, complete the Google Form at this link no later than January 15, 2027:

https://forms.gle/jaJCrVHkvmpyG2rk8


If there are questions regarding the contest, please feel free to contact Carin Zachar at czachar@palatineconcertband.org.