Competition Announcement

This competition is open to students residing in or attending schools located in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Malibu, Calabasas, Topanga Canyon, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Westwood, and Culver City.

Students compete in three categories:

• Elementary School (Grades 1-6)
• Middle School (Grades 7-9)
• High School (Grades 10-12)

Previous winners must compete on a different instrument or wait until eligible in another category.

Awards: Monetary prizes and an opportunity to perform with the orchestra will be presented to winners
in each category. To receive a prize, winners must perform in the concert and attend all required
rehearsals.

Competition Details

• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
• Location: Palisades Lutheran Church, Luther Hall
  15905 Sunset Blvd. (corner of El Medio), Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
• Performance: The competition performance must consist of one memorized movement from the standard
  repertoire, up to 10 minutes long, with orchestral parts readily available.
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2025
• Accompanist: Participants must bring their own piano accompanist to the audition.

Rehearsal Requirements for Winners

Rehearsal and Performance Requirements for Winners
Winners must rehearse and perform their piece with the orchestra during the following times:

• Tuesday and Thursday Evening Rehearsals: March 17 and 19, 2026

• Saturday Dress Rehearsal: March 21, 2026 (1:00–4:00 PM)

• Concert Performance: Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM (venue TBA)

Winners are encouraged to attend additional rehearsals if they wish.

Please note: If a winner is not available to rehearse and perform with the orchestra on the assigned dates and times, the award may be offered to the next qualified runner-up.

How to Apply

• Registration Form: Complete the online form and pay $25 registration fee. The
  registration form is available under Registration From sub-header of the Competition
  menu on this website.
• Judging: Independent judges from the music profession will evaluate all performances. Their
  decisions are final, including the option not to award a prize if contestants are not qualified to
  perform with the orchestra.

For More Information

• Contact: Saundra Sonderling, Auditions Chairman
  Phone: (310) 455-1761
  Email: sscellist@yahoo.com

Please Note: Palisades Symphony and Westside Philharmonic are no longer affiliated.