General Participant Information
The Bowen Young Musicians Festival Philosophy
To offer a high-quality musical growth experience
In the comfort of small-town friendliness
Musicians of all ages and abilities, from young beginners to teachers and adults, are encouraged to participate in the YM Festival in the following Divisions:
- Piano
- Strings
- Band
- Vocal
A participant’s grade in school determines assignment to one of the following Performance Brackets: Grades 5 and under, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, and Adult.
A Brief Description Of The Festival
An exciting competition focused on personal musical enrichment & growth.
The Bowen Young Musicians Festival annually serves 100 – 150 participants, from elementary-aged students through adults.
Most entrants choose to participate in the festival competition, which awards place ribbons in each bracket & cash prizes for division winners, based on scores. Personal achievement is recognized at the highest level with Superior rank pins.
The recommendation to play at the Honors Concert is an honor not tied to scores.
Your registration fee includes participation in any workshops offered during the festival. See Workshops for more detailed information.
Participant Resources
General Competition Information
Solos: Performers are eligible to win place ribbons in their Bracket and cash prizes in their Division: $100 first place, $50 second place, $25 third place.
Small Ensembles: Performers are eligible to win place ribbons only.
Opting Out: Participants may choose not to compete. These participants still perform, are adjudicated, and will be considered for the Honors Concert. They may also attend workshops.
Opting in or out of the competition is required for each registration submission, so your choice for each event is independent of your other choices.
General Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 30th at EMS
A detailed schedule will be created after registration is complete.
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
BAND, VOCAL, and PIANO – solo and small ensemble performance groups
and workshops
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
STRINGS – solo and small ensemble performance groups
and workshops
6:00 pm
Honors Concert for all Divisions – free and open to the public
Solo and Small Ensemble Performances
All styles of music are welcome and memorization is strongly recommended, particularly in the Piano and Vocal Divisions.
Each performance is evaluated by a visiting clinician and open to the public.
All performers will receive verbal and written comments and a certificate for their scrapbook.
Small Ensembles:
Duets, trios, quartets, etc. with a maximum of eight members.
Financial aid is available – call Sara at 307-789-2178 or e-mail us with inquiries.
& communities through the arts