Raleigh Area Flute Association Review and Contest
This is a combination evaluation and contest. Entrants play 2 solos from a repertoire list for 2 judges in a classroom (no audience) and receive evaluations. The top 2 or 3 of each level receive a cash award and play in the concert at a big flute festival with lots of other events that can be attended.
RAFA also has other events during the year. Their annual Solo and Ensemble Festival, which is another opportunity to perform for judge and be evaluated, is in April. You can find more information about this group and their other events at:
Federation Festival
This is a similar event to the RAFA one without the cash prize. You play 2 pieces. One must be drawn from a list of required pieces and the other is of your choice. The required piece must be memorized. There is one judge, who writes up an evaluation of the performance. Accompaniment is expected for this event.
There are other categories available, if desired, such as ensembles, composition, and concertos. A student could enter multiple events. There are additional fees for each one you participate in. You can get more information on this organization at:
All District Auditions
This is for students who are participating in a band, orchestra, or chorus class at school. Entry is done through the class teacher. There is a small entry fee and a deadline, so students must be paying attention and probably asking their teacher about the details so they don’t miss that deadline. Students play excerpts from a required solo, which often also has an accompaniment, making it useful for other events. Students are also required to do scales from a required list and sight reading. This is a very competitive event. Winners are then selected to participate in an honors group later in the year, usually getting out of school one day for rehearsals. The top High School level winners of each section then go on to compete on a state level. You can get more information about this at:
Youth Orchestras, Wind Ensembles, and Flute Choirs
We have three active youth orchestras in the Charlotte area, a flute choir, and a youth wind ensemble. Auditions for the wind ensemble is usually in December. The orchestras and flute choir auditions are usually in the mid to late spring. Requirements vary and we must consult their websites for information each season. You can get more information about these organizations at:
Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles: Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles – College of Arts + Architecture
Charlotte Youth Symphony Orchestra Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras | Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Youth Orchestras of Charlotte Youth Orchestras of Charlotte
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra Youth Orchestra – Union Symphony Orchestra