Young Artists Program
The Cincinnati Wind Band’s Young Artists Program is designed for high school students who are planning to pursue music as a career and are eager to grow through mentorship, collaboration, and performance. This program offers a unique opportunity to work closely with professional musicians, gain real-world ensemble experience, and perform alongside adult members of a nationally recognized, world-class ensemble.
Participants are fully integrated into the musical life of the group. Sunday rehearsals (1:30 to 4:30 pm) include a mix of full ensemble rehearsal, sectionals led by professionals, and potential chamber music coaching.
Program Information
Participating Students Will:
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Learn directly from professional musicians in your section who play your instrument
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Strengthen ensemble and chamber music skills through varied weekly experiences
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Gain performance experience in prestigious venues
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Build musical relationships and receive support for college auditions and long-term growth
Program Highlights
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Each student is paired with a professional musician from their section for mentorship and guidance
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Young Artists perform in all Cincinnati Wind Band concerts, including 2025-26 appearances at Severance Hall, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Music Hall, and potential tour opportunities
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Rehearsals take place Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm and include a combination of full ensemble rehearsal, sectionals led by professional musicians, and chamber music coaching
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Enrollment is limited to 1–2 students per section
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Program fee is $450 for the 2025–2026 season
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Transportation to and from all rehearsals and performances is the responsibility of each participating student
Audition Requirements
How to Record and Submit
Auditions may be submitted as a single video or as multiple videos. Each excerpt should be recorded in one continuous clear enough to hear your tone, technique, and musicality.
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State your name
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Share a brief overview of your musical background, including:
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Where you go to school and who you study with (if you have a private lesson teacher)
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How long you've played your instrument
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Select ensembles you've participated in (school, regional, or honor groups)
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Your career goals in music
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Tell us why you want to be part of the Cincinnati Wind Band Young Artists Program
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Perform a chromatic scale covering your full comfortable range (ascending and descending)
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Play the required excerpts for your instrument, in the order provided
When your video is complete, upload it to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Make sure your sharing settings allow access, and email the link to youngartists@cincinnatiwindband.org. Your video submission serves as your application to the program. Applications are due by Sunday, October 12, 2025. Selections will be made within two days of the application deadline, and students will be notified of results via email.