Young Artist Competition

audition today

34th Annual Young Artist Competition

Piano | Strings | Woodwinds | Brass/Percussion |Voice

Talented, young musicians up to age 26 travel across the United States each year to Jonesboro for a chance to compete in the DSO's prestigious Young Artist Competition.

Five music divisions award cash prizes in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass/percussion, and voice. Winners have transitioned to successful careers within education, administration, and performance.

The Delta Symphony Orchestra is proud to be a part of their past on the way to their future.
For questions contact Neale Bartee at nebartee@att.net or call 870-243-0273

  • Entrants must be no more than 27 years of age as of January 11, 2025.

    Former Grand Prize winners of the Young Artist Competition are not eligible to audition.

  • Grand Prizes of $1000.00 will be awarded to two winners, each of whom will be selected from different categories. (Grand Prize winners will be featured as guest soloists with Delta Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Prizes of $750.00 will be awarded to winners in categories from which Grand Prize winners were not selected. (Note: Judges may elect not to award a prize in any category.)

    The Neale Bartee Young Artist Award ($200.00 prize) may be awarded to one outstanding Northeast Arkansas student (grades 9-12) from any performance category. This award recipient may be asked to perform as a soloist with the Delta Symphony. A $50.00 cash award may be given to an outstanding student younger than ninth grade. Cash awards will be presented at the February 23, 2025 symphony concert. Grand Prize winners must appear with Symphony in order to receive their prize money. All other winners are encouraged to attend concert; however, if they are unable to attend, they will receive their award by mail.

  • A non-refundable entry fee of $75.00 must accompany entrant's application.

  • Piano and orchestral instrument entrants must perform one movement of a concerto or concerto-type composition.

    Vocal entrants must sing two songs from opera, oratorio, or art song repertoire.

    All selections must be accompanied by piano on the preliminary recording and have orchestral accompaniment available. Total time of musical selections should be between 8 and 15 minutes.

    Digital recordings and YouTube examples should be sent to Neale Bartee at nebartee@att.net by November 23, 2024. (Entrant’s name, composition, and composer should be clearly stated in the email.)

    Applications should be sent to Neale Bartee, 3713 Burdyshaw, Jonesboro, AR 72405 and postmarked no later than November 23, 2024.

    Finalists from preliminary recorded auditions will be chosen and notified by November 30, 2024. The finalists must perform the same piece in live auditions that was used for preliminary audition.

  • Accompanists will be required for final live auditions. If finalist cannot bring an accompanist, one will be provided for a fee of $100.00 only if the DSO is notified by December 7, 2024, by email (nebartee@att.net). Accompanist fees and copies of their music must be received by December 14, 2024. Entrants must provide judges with one original copy of music to be performed.

    All selections must be performed from memory at audition.

    Grand Prize winners will perform the same piece with Delta Symphony that was performed in the live audition.

  • All finalists will be assigned performance times via e-mail.

    Division winners will be named at the close of each division of the competition.

    Grand Prize winners will be announced at end of day.

    Note: Finalist will provide all expenses for live audition. The Delta Symphony Orchestra will select all judges. Winners must provide a photo and biographical sketch for publicity. For questions contact Neale Bartee at nebartee@att.net or call 870-243-0273.

YAC Prizes

Winners Are Announced at End of Final Audition Day

All cash awards are presented at the spring concert. Former Grand Prize Winners are not eligible to audition.

$1,000 Cash Prize Each

2 grand prize winners

$1000 cash prize each, and a performance as guest artists with the Delta Symphony Orchestra.

$750 Cash Prize

Division Winners

$750 cash prize will be awarded in categories from which Grand Prize winners were not selected. (Judges may elect not to award a prize in any category)

$200 Cash Prize

Outstanding Student

$200 cash prize and the Neale King Bartee Young Artist Award for Outstanding High School Student (grades 9-12).

 

Note: Finalist will provide all expenses for live audition. The Delta Symphony Orchestra will select all judges. Winners must provide a photo and biographical sketch for publicity. For questions contact Neale Bartee at nebartee@att.net or call 870-243-0273.

Deadline for Application
November 23, 2024

Finalist Notification
November 30, 2024

Deadline for Request for Accompanist
December 7, 2024

Deadline for Submission of Accompanist Payments
December 14, 2024

Audition Date
January 11, 2025

Concert Date
February 23, 2025

YAC COMPETITION

Past Winners

2023 Winners

Grand Prize

Basil Alter | Memphis, TN | Violin
Xinye Yang | Rochester, NY | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Anamaria Tarkington | Jonesboro, AR | Piano

2022 Winners

Grand Prize

Crystal Kim | Pittsburgh, PA | Flute
Ella Saputra | Hoffman Estates, IL | Violin

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Ann Gao | Maumelle, AR | Piano
Emma Grace Morris | Paragould, AR | Flute

Division Winners

Austin Pitcher | Henderson, TN | Piano
Jonathan Hunda | Fort Worth, TX | Trumpet
Natalie Corrigan | Cincinnati, OH | Mezzo Soprano

2020 Winners

Grand Prize

 Iris Shepherd | Henry, TN |Violin 
Jiyeon Lee | Springfield, MO |Piano

Division Winners

Adam Langs | Lake Mary, FL |Xylophone 
Connor Lane |Memphis, TN |Flute 
Oscar Quiroz | Lake City, AR |Tenor

 

2019 Winners

Grand Prize

Eleanor Lee | Tuscaloosa, AL | Piano 
Joylyn Rushing | Conway, AR | Soprano

Division Winners

Samuel Day | Denton, TX | Clarinet 
Elijah Spies | New York, NY | Viola

2018 Winners

Grand Prize

Thomas Nguyen | Conway, AR | Saxophone 
Tracy Wong | Cincinnati, OH | Piano

Division Winner

Jessica Luffey | Atlanta, GA |Soprano 

2017 Winners

Grand Prize

Susan Yang | Ann Arbor, MI | Piano 
Morgan Short | Boones Mill, VA | Harp

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Zach Lynn | Jonesboro, AR | Bassoon

Division Winners

Cody Hutchison | Jonesboro, AR | Euphonium 
Caitlyn Lyerly | Jonesboro, AR | Flute 
Dorian McCall | Norman, OK | Baritone

Junior Prize Winner

Ethan Sexauer | Cotter, AR | Violin

2016 Winners

Grand Prize

Haeun Kim | Birmingham, AL | Violin
Sarah Stembel | New Orleans, LA | Lyric Soprano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Sarah Beth Cash | Brinkley, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Antonia Makridakis | Jonesboro, AR | Piano
Mi Ou Lee | Lawrence, KS | Piano

2015 Winners

Grand Prize

Dan Cao | Chicago, IL | Piano
Emma Hoeft | Kansas City, MO | Cello

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Charlotte Jeong | Brinkley, AR | Flute

Division Winners

Lizzy Hamilton | Athens, OH | Flute
Lindsay Cunningham | Nashville, TN | Soprano

2014 Winners

Grand Prize

Nathan Cottrell | Memphis, TN | Cello
Michael Barnes | Lawton, OK | Marimba

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Charlotte Jeong | Jonesboro, AR | Flute

Division Winners

Connor & Elizabeth Dan | Cordova, TN | Piano
Genevieve Kimbrough | Little Rock, AR | Soprano Eric Stultz | Stillwater, OK | Saxophone

2013 Winners

Grand Prize

Cori Beasley | ASU |Soprano
Yuta Nishimura | ASU | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Lauren Braden | Jonesboro, AR | Mezzo Soprano

Division Winners

Lydia Wilkens-Reed | Memphis, TN | Cello
Cody Hutchinson | Jonesboro, AR | Euphonium
Charlotte Jeong | Jonesboro, AR | Flute

Junior Prize Winner

Greta Hacker | Jonesboro, AR | Piano

2012 Winners

Grand Prize

William Overcash | Oberlin, OH | Violin
Renee Smith | Jonesboro, AR | Soprano

Division Winners

Connor & Elizabeth Dan | Cordova, TN | Piano
Luci Disano | Greedy, CO | Clarinet
Zachary McCoy | Humboldt, TN | Vibraphone

2011 Winners

Grand Prize

Caroline Kim | Germantown, TN | Violin
Luca Pruitt | Huntsville, AL | Xylophone

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Josh Carter | Jonesboro, AR | Piano

Division Winners

Katie Liesner | Memphis, Tn | Soprano
Jamie Keys | Coralville, IA | Clarinet
Barrett Kelley | Walnut Ridge, AR | Piano

Junior Prize Winner

Duane Chen | Little Rock, AR | Piano
Henry Huang | Little Rock, AR | Piano

2010 Winners

Grand Prize

Paul Vest | Memphis, TN | Cello
Mi Ra Lee | Korea St./Joe, MO | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

William Overcash | Brinkley, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Maddie Bowden | Jonesboro, AR | Voice

Junior Prize Winner

Hannah Todd | Mountain Home, AR | Violin

2009 Winners

Grand Prize

Anna Kang | Memphis, TN | Violin
Chaz Allen| Springdale, AR | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

William Overcash | Brinkley, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Christian Carichner | Conway, AR | Tuba
Stephanie Costognia | Bradley, IL | Flute
La Marcus Miller | Dallas, TX | Baritone

2008 Winners

Grand Prize

Yi Wu | Little Rock, AR | Piano
Grant Harbison | Jonesboro, AR | Trumpet

Division Winners

Anna King | Memphis, TN | Violin
Jonathan Shields | Jonesboro, AR | Tenor
Richard Lupo | Glendale Heights, IL | Flute

2007 Winners

Grand Prize

Tara Mueller | Fayetteville, AR | Violin
Luca Strazullo | Jonesboro, AR | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Chris Overcash | Brinkley, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Kofi Martin | Jonesboro, AR | Clarinet
Jonathan Shields | Paragould, AR | Tenor
Aaron Metzger | Pittsburg, KS | Trumpet

2006 Winners

Grand Prize

Rachel Lin | Germantown, TN | Violin
Brendan White | Jackson, TN | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Nickolas Alsup | Harrisburg, AR | Piano

Division Winners

Daniel Harrelson | Jonesboro, AR | Trombone Jonathan Shields | Paragould, AR | Tenor

2005 Winners

Grand Prize

Erica Leung | Trenton, TN | Piano
Angelika Machnik | Oklahoma City, OK | Cello

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Garrett Overcash | Brinkley, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Daniel Harrelson | Jonesboro, AR | Trombone Cassie Black | Jonesboro, AR | Soprano Roman Ruiz |Russellville, AR | Clarinet

2004 Winners

Grand Prize

Linnaea Brophy | Bartlett, TN | Violin
Kevin Brewer | Arkadelphia, AR | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Kofi Martin | Jonesboro, AR | Clarinet

Division Winners

Tony Garcia | Searcy, AR | Trombone Mindy Pounders | Cleveland, MS | Soprano

2002 Winners

Grand Prize

Daniel Liu | Conway, AR | Violin
Dawson Hull | Jackson, TN | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Marty Bishop | Jonesboro, AR | Trumpet

Division Winners

Jeremy Blackwood | Jonesboro | Baritone Michelle Zebrowitz | Memphis, TN | Saxophone

Junior Prize Winner

Linnaea Brophy | Bartlett, TN | Violin

2000 Winners

Grand Prize

Danling Gao | Jonesboro, AR | Piano
Laura Colgate | Memphis, TN | Violin

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Jana Young | Jonesboro, AR | Piano

Division Winners

Jerry Hou | Jonesboro, AR | Trombone Emily Smith | Searcy, AR | Bassoon

 

1999 Winners

Grand Prize

Maeve Brophy | Memphis, TN| Piano
Adam Pendleton | Macomb, IL | Saxophone

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Emily Rodgers | Jonesboro, AR | Soprano

Division Winners

Harmony Fortson | Jonesboro, AR | Soprano Michael Lorman | Hattiesburg, MS | Trombone Laura Colgate | Cordova, TN | Violin

1998 Winners

Grand Prize

David Kim | Memphis, TN | Violin
Ynu Zang | City | Piano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Eric Skaug | Jonesboro, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Nathan Wentworth | Memphis, TN | Baritone Jeremy Gott | Hattiesburg, MS | Saxophone Scott Tignor | Jonesboro, AR | Tuba

1996 Winners

Grand Prize

Ivan Laley | Conway, AR | Cello
Dia Sawyer | Jonesboro, AR | Soprano

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Phillip Ross | Jonesboro, AR | Oboe

Division Winners

Ivanka Driankova | Conway, AR | Piano
Clay East | Oxford, MS | Trombone Angela Rhodes | Magnolia, TN | Flute

1995 Winners

Grand Prize

Katerina Zaitseva | Conway, AR | Piano
Nikola Takov | Conway, AR | Violin

Neale King Bartee Award Winner

Amanda Bone | Jonesboro, AR | Flute

Division Winners

Lacy Tilton| Jonesboro, AR | Mezzo Soprano
Dionne Hansen| Memphis, TN | Flute Tyrone Block | Monticello, TN | Trombone

1994 Winners

Grand Prize

Karen Tchougorian | Conway, AR |Piano
Borislava Iltcheva | Conway, AR | Violin

Division Winners

Jason Marus | Fayetteville, AR | Baritone
Andrew Gott | Bolivar, MO | Bassoon

1993 Winners

Rossitza Jekova | Conway, AR | Violin
Tony Kitai | Germantown, TN | Cello
Kiril Zahariev | Conway, AR | Piano

1992 Winners

Aroussiak Baltaian| Conway, AR | Violin
Ying Li | Cookeville, TN | Flute
Layne Baxter | Memphis,TN | Piano

1991 Winners

Dale Peppers | Jonesboro, AR | Baritone
David Herring | Arkadelphia, AR | Trombone Stephen Field | Memphis, TN | Piano

1990 Winners

Teri Chastain | Brookland, AR | Soprano
David Sanderson | Jonesboro, AR | Trumpet
Michael Harrison | Batesville, AR | Piano

1989 Winners

Joanna Cotten | Forrest City, AR | Soprano
Mary Kay Wooley | Hattiesburg, MS | Oboe
Michael Harrison | Batesville, AR | Piano

1988 Winners

Andrew Skoog | Jonesboro, AR | Tenor
Brent Woods| Fayetteville, AR | Cello
Jon Hynes | Fayetteville, KS | Piano