In 1992, this competition was begun in honor and memory of two past members, to encourage and recognize young talent. It is open to solo instrumental students in grades 7-12 and vocalists ages 15-21.
There will be two age divisions. 7th, 8th, and 9th graders will be judged against each other in the lower division, while 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will compete against each other in the upper division. Lower division first place winners may compete again in the upper division when they reach 10th grade.
Each entrant must present 2 pieces from the following style periods:
- Baroque/Classical
- Romantic/Modern/Post-Modern.
Programs must not exceed 12 minutes. Pianists and vocalists must perform from memory. Other instrumentalists may use their music and must provide their own music stand. Additionally, contestants requiring an accompanist must provide their own.
Lower Division (Grades 7-9)
- The competition is on Saturday, April 5, 2025. at PYCO School of Music (150 Lake Dr, Suite 103, Wexford, PA).
- Postmark deadline for entry is Saturday, March 15, 2025. Mail entries to Christine Lucas, 805 Glendale Ct., Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. The first 25 entries received will compete.
- Prizes are $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place. In order to collect their prizes, winners are required to perform on the winners’ recital on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:00. The winners’ recital will be held at PYCO School of Music.
- Application fee is $25 for member teachers. Non-members teachers will pay the $25 application fee plus a single $40 non-member teacher fee. Paying the $40 non-member teacher fee entitles non-member teachers to enter as many students as they wish in either division – it does not have to be paid for each individual application.
Upper Division (Grades 10-12)
- The competition is on Saturday, April 12, 2025. at PYCO School of Music (150 Lake Dr, Suite 103, Wexford, PA).
- Postmark deadline for entry is Saturday, March 22, 2025. Mail entries to Christine Lucas, 805 Glendale Ct., Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. The first 25 entries received will compete.
- Prizes are $300 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place. In order to collect their prizes, winners are required to perform on the winners’ recital on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:00. The winners’ recital will be held at PYCO School of Music.
- Application fee is $35 for member teachers. Non-members teachers will pay the $35 application fee plus a single $40 non-member teacher fee. Paying the $40
- non-member teacher fee entitles non-member teachers to enter as many students as they wish in either division – it does not have to be paid for each individual application.
APPLICATION FAQ
- Will I receive a confirmation email after I apply? No.
- What happens after I mail my application? All applications are filed by postmark date and unprocessed until the deadline passes. The first 25 entries received per division will receive an audition letter via USPS which should arrive no later than one week after the deadline. If there are more than 25 entries per division, only the contestants who cannot be accommodated will receive a phone call to inform them that they will not be able to compete this year and their registration fee check will be either be returned or shredded.
Number of entries received to date:
- Lower Division
- Upper Division
- When will I find out my audition time? All contestants will receive an audition letter via USPS by the Friday after the deadline elapses.
- When should I get in touch with the competition chair if I haven’t heard about the status of my application? If you haven’t received an audition letter or been contacted via phone by the Friday after the deadline elapses, please get in touch with the competition chair.
About Lois & Lois: Lois Smith was a founding member and first president of the local South Hills Chapter PMTA and was an active organist and pianist. Lois Streator performed extensively as soloist and accompanist, serving as the pianist for the Mendelssohn Choir for 22 years. As close friends and colleagues, they also appeared as a piano duo called “Lois and Lois.”