COMPETITION GUIDELINES

The Rembrandt Chamber Musicians Annual High School Chamber Music Competition is open to all high school age musicians. Younger musicians are welcome to enter the competition, but the ensemble must contain a majority of students who are at least 13 years old. High school graduates are not permitted to compete.

Ensemble size may range from trio to octet.

Ensembles must perform one or more movements from a single chamber work. All selections performed must be from the same musical work. Total performance time must be between five and ten minutes.  

Winning ensembles must be available to perform at Rembrandt Chamber Musicians concerts on Wednesday, March 18, at 7:30 PM (Cliff Dwellers – Chicago) and Sunday, March 22, at 3:00 PM (Nichols Hall – Evanston).

Winning ensembles must also be available for an additional performance at Evanston Township High School and/or the Young Women's Leadership Charter School during late April/early May of 2020. Rembrandt will contact winning ensembles with additional paid performance opportunities as they arise.

Ensembles may be composed of past first and second place winners as long as the total number does not exceed 50% of the current ensemble’s membership. First and second place ensembles from 2019 may not compete as a group.

All groups entering the competition must select a name for their ensemble to be printed in the program and in future announcements.  

Each group will receive written evaluations from the judges after the competition.

While we make every effort to accommodate scheduling requests, please note that such requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed. Rembrandt Chamber Musicians reserves the right to determine the final performance schedule for the competition.  

Ensembles must check in 45 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time and will be assigned a practice room for warm-up that may be used for a maximum of 30 minutes


APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Completed application form

5 copies of the score

Nonrefundable entry fee of $25 per musician (checks made payable to Rembrandt Chamber Players, Inc.)

All application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2020. Late applications will not be accepted


AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Cash prizes for first and second place ensembles

First place ensemble will receive one coaching session with a Rembrandt Chamber Musicians member

First and second place ensembles will perform their winning pieces during Rembrandt Chamber Musicians’ March 2020 concerts in Chicago and Evanston

Additional performances at schools, senior centers, churches, and concert halls as opportunities arise

Recognition as Rembrandt Young Artists for one calendar year