03/09/2026
2026 Young Performer's Solo Competition
Dear Band Director or Private Instructor:
The Quad City Wind Ensemble is pleased to announce the Thirty-Fifth Annual Charles B. DCamp Young Performer's Solo Competition.
We will be holding in-person auditions on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 in Madsen Hall at Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University, 518 w. Locust St. Davenport, IA 52803 from 12pm-5pm. Students who are unable to audition due to any conflicts may submit an unedited recording of their solo (with accompaniment) by March 12th so it can be shown to the judges.
The first-place winner will receive a $250 scholarship from the Quad City Wind Ensemble for private study. Along with the first-place prize the winner will also have the opportunity to perform their solo with the Quad City Wind Ensemble at our Spring Program (scheduled for May 10th, 2026 @ 3pm). The second-place winner will receive a $150 scholarship and the third-place winner will receive a $100 scholarship for private study.
All entrants must be students currently involved in a high school instrumental music program. The soloist must perform a wind or percussion solo for which a band/wind ensemble accompaniment is readily available. The soloist must choose an approved solo from our list. A list of approved solos is available at the QCWE website: http://www.qcwindensemble.org/solo-competition/approved-rep/
There is no entry fee for this competition. Previous first place winners must audition on a different piece. For all auditions, in-person or unedited video, an accompaniment is asked with your solo. Again, please make sure a pdf copy of the solo is included in your application material.
The QCWE is dedicated to music education in all schools of the Quad-City area. The Charles B. DCamp Young Performer's Solo Competition is one way it supports music education of the QC area's youth. In addition, all participants in school band programs are admitted free to all QCWE performances.
Please feel free to make photocopies of this letter and the attached application as needed. If you have any questions about the solo competition, please contact Lucas Larson, the competition coordinator, at
[email protected], (309)507-1367, 11271 N 1800th AVE, Geneseo, IL 61254
Sincerely,
Lucas Larson, QCWE Solo Competition Coordinator
Charles B. DCamp Young Performers’ Solo Competition Approved Repertoire Please click on the document below for a list of pre-approved solos. If you would like to inquire about a piece not on the list, please e-mail [email protected]. Pre-Approved-Solo-ListDownload