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This February, Millersville University musicians will compete for the Louis Vyner Award in Performance for an opportunity to perform with a music ensemble at Millersville University.
First-round auditions were held February 4, resulting in five finalists: Amy Chapman, Paulino Contreras, Brett Jarvis, Katelyn Smith and Lindsey Stauffer. The finals will be on February 18, at 7 p.m., at Millersville University-Lancaster, 42 N. Prince St. The event is free and open to the public.
The Louis Vyner Award in Performance honors the late founder and conductor of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. It recognizes a student’s excellence in performance including conducting, which is judged by faculty. All applicants must have a 3.0 QPA in music courses and must have reached junior status in the University as a degree candidate in music by the date of the audition. The recipient will receive the annual income from the fund established in 1980, in the form of a cash award, and a public performance during their senior year with recognition as the Louis Vyner Performance Award winner.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for a Millersville student to showcase his or her ability in music performance or conducting,” said Dr. Micheal Houlahan, chairperson and professor of music. “Vyner was such an influential and passionate musician in the local community; it’s great that our students can share that same passion.”
The performance may take the form of a solo recital, solo or conducting appearance with one of the large University performing organizations, or otherwise as approved by the major performance teacher and the department chairperson.
The audition requires a maximum of 20 minutes performing and two works of contrasting styles for performers. Individual movements from large works are understood as individual compositions for the purpose of this competition. Applicants should provide their own accompanists in consultation with the head piano teacher.
Conductors prepare one work in advance with an ensemble assembled by the conducting applicant; a second work is chosen by the faculty. The conductor has one week prior to this rehearsal period during which to study and prepare the score.
