11.12.2021 19th Annual Young Artist Award Competition Now Accepting Applications

Gaithersburg, MD – (November 8, 2021) The City of Gaithersburg, in association with the Kentlands Community Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 19th Annual Young Artist Award. The juried competition, which culminates in a concert featuring the top prize winners, provides young instrumental, piano and vocal musicians with an enriching artistic experience. Application deadline is Friday, December 17, 2021.

Young musicians between the ages of 12 and 18 are invited to apply as a vocal or instrumental soloist in the categories of vocal, woodwind, brass, string, and piano. First, second, third, and honorable mention prizes may be awarded in each category. Performers must provide their own piano accompanists if accompaniment is needed. Applicants need not reside in the City of Gaithersburg to enter.

The live juried closed auditions take place on Saturday, January 8 and Sunday, January 9, 2022. All participants will receive written feedback from the jurors. Top prize winners must be available to participate in the Young Artist Award Concert on Friday, February 4, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road.

The 2022 Young Artist Award Competition includes the 2nd Annual awarding of the Carrie McMahon Dietz Award for Excellence. This award is presented to a City of Gaithersburg resident who participates in the competition and has the highest score of all City residents. The award is given in honor of Carrie McMahon Dietz, longtime Executive Director of the Kentlands Community Foundation and one of the founders of the Young Artist Award Competition.

Apply online here. For more information, please visit the Young Artist Award webpage. Applications are due by December 17, 2021.  For additional information, please e-mail YAA@gaithersburgmd.gov.