2021 Youth Music Festival

The Festival showcases students between 11 and 18 years old who compete in any of three categories – piano, vocal, and instrumental in either the junior or senior division. Awards are presented for first, second, and third places with an overall award for the most outstanding performance. Winners perform one of their competition pieces during a free public concert and awards ceremony on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

Marilyn Newell, for whom the Festival is named, says: “It has been my great joy over the past fifteen years to watch the development of this program and what it has meant to the musical growth of this County.”

"There are so many interests that compete for the hearts and attention of our youth," says Katie Lippert, Chair of the Festival (2017). "Our goal with the Festival is to encourage and inspire these young artists to stick with their artistic ambitions, as well as to reward exceptional talent. It is truly fulfilling and rewarding to promote and support the young musicians in our community."

If you have any questions, please call the Arts Center at (863) 676 - 8426 or email us at info@lw-arts.org.

18th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival Rules and Regulations

  1. Participants must be between the ages of 11 and 18 on May 16th, 2021.

  2. Participants must attend a public, private, or home school that resides in Polk County.

  3. The competition will be divided by ages 11-14 Juniors and 15-18 Seniors and by categories of vocal, piano, and instrumental. At the discretion of competition organizers, a guitar category for both Junior and Senior levels may be added if at least 6 students apply. If less than 6 apply, guitarists will be adjudicated along with instrumental competitors.

  4. Students ARE NOW REQUIRED to provide their own accompanist (if needed).

  5. Participants must prepare two contrasting selections and are required to MEMORIZE their music. Selections should be from the standard classical music repertoire. Woodwind, brass, percussion, and piano participants are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Bandmasters Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 2 through 4 or higher; and Senior Division-level 5 through 7. String participants are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Orchestra Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 1 through 3 or higher; and Senior Division level 4 through 6. Vocalists are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Vocal Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 1 through 3 or higher; and Senior Division level 4 through 5.

  6. Vocal students are encouraged, but not required, to sing one selection in a foreign language.

  7. Total time will be limited to 10 minutes for juniors and 15 minutes for seniors. Please note that this time limit is for both pieces. The time limit will be strictly observed.

  8. Participants must upload 1 copy of their music with measures numbered for use by the adjudicator. Selections from a method book must be photocopied and uploaded for the adjudicator (please do not submit the entire method book).

  9. Prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. Not every prize will be awarded if, in the opinion of the adjudicators, no winner is justified in that category.

  10. All adjudicator’s decisions are final.

  11. Participants are REQUIRED to appear in the public, in-person recital on Sunday, May 16th, 2021 beginning at 3:00 PM at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Students CANNOT receive an award if they are not present at the public recital. Students receiving an award are asked to play one of the selections performed during the competition. (LWAC COVID-19 Protocols)

  12. Prizes will be awarded in vocal, piano, and instrumental categories (excluding Junior Vocal)

    1. AGES 11 - 14 (JUNIORS)

      1. 1st Prize - $100

      2. 2nd Prize - $75

      3. 3rd Prize - $50

    2. AGES 15 - 18 (SENIORS)

      1. 1st Prize - $250

      2. 2nd Prize - $175

      3. 3rd Prize - $100

  13. There will be one $500.00 award for exceptional performance ability in the combined Senior and Junior Divisions.

  14. By participating in the 18th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival all participants agree to terms allowing the Lake Wales Arts Council to use audio and video recording of their submission for archival and promotional purposes.

  15. Applications and video submissions MUST BE submitted via the Google Form by 11:59 PM on April 23rd, 2021.

Performance Video Rules and Regulations

  1. The video must begin with the participant stating their name, piece (title and composer), and that the video is for the 2021 18th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival.

  2. In general, video files created with iPhone and Android phones and tablets, the QuickTime app on a Mac, or the Camera app on Windows or Chromebooks, will be an acceptable format and file size.

  3. The video must be recorded in landscape (sideways/horizontal) mode.

  4. The video must be recorded at a resolution of 720p or better.

  5. The video must be recorded with clear audio and video.

  6. The video and audio must be unedited from the time the participant announces themselves through the last note of their performance.

  7. Both pieces should be included in a single video file. Please record each piece immediately after the other.

  8. The video must be submitted in a .mp4 file or uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo.

  9. If a video is uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo the video MUST be titled “18th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival 2021 - PARTICIPANT’S NAME - NAME OF PIECE - COMPOSER”

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