Jane Rooks Ross & Barry Ross

Youth Soloist Competition

Competition for Students in Grades 12 & Under

Families: Help your student register for the Youth Soloist Competition

Impact

Every season, our Youth Soloist Competition provides advanced music students throughout Southwest Michigan the opportunity to perform with a professional symphony orchestra.

About the Youth Soloist Competition

Every season, advanced music students compete to win an opportunity to perform with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. The competition takes place in the fall and is open to students residing in Southwest Michigan.

The competition winner performs with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra during a selected Family Discovery Concert.

Competition Requirements

Students must be in grade 12 or under.
Students must reside in Allegan, Barry, Branch, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren

Competition Requirements

Students must be in grade 12 or under.
Students must reside in Allegan, Barry, Branch, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren

Competition Details

The 25/26 Competition will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Application and application fee ($20) are due by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Competition Location: Kalamazoo College
The winning soloist will perform at the Kalamazoo Symphony’s Family Discovery concert on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Miller Auditorium.

Competition Details

The 25/26 Competition will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Application and application fee ($20) are due by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Competition Location: Kalamazoo College
The winning soloist will perform at the Kalamazoo Symphony’s Family Discovery concert on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Miller Auditorium.

Competition Music Requirements

Competition music should be a movement of a concerto or composition not exceeding 10 minutes for solo instrument & orchestra or solo voice & orchestra.
Vocal students must discuss repertoire with KSO Education Team prior to registering for a competition time.
Memorization is not required.
Students will need to provide an accompanist for the audition.

Competition Music Requirements

Competition music should be a movement of a concerto or composition not exceeding 10 minutes for solo instrument & orchestra or solo voice & orchestra.
Vocal students must discuss repertoire with KSO Education Team prior to registering for a competition time.
Memorization is not required.
Students will need to provide an accompanist for the audition.