AMES, Iowa - The Central Iowa Symphony is now accepting applications from student musicians for its annual Young Artist Auditions in January. The audition provides young musicians with an educational opportunity as well as a chance to be selected to perform a concerto movement or other solo work with a symphony orchestra at a February 2005 concert.

Central Iowa Symphony, now in its 18th season, has a long tradition of showcasing young soloists. Five years ago, the program was expanded to include performers of wind, brass and percussion instruments, pianists and vocalists. The Young Artists Concert, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, at Ames City Auditorium, will feature several student soloists.

Students will audition with the piece they intend to perform with the symphony. In general, the work should be no more than 12 minutes in length and be performed from memory. Orchestral parts for the selected work must be available for purchase or rental. A panel of up to five professional musicians will evaluate the auditions, and written comments will be provided to each student.

Auditions will be Saturday, January 15, 2005, at the Music Hall on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. Applications must be postmarked no later than December 3. For more information or to request an application, contact Carol Bailey at (515) 292-5016 or Willa Holger at (515) 292-4466 or by e-mail at wholger@msn.com. Applications also are posted on the CIS web site, www.cisymphony.org.

The Central Iowa Symphony, a 70-member community-based orchestra, presents a four-concert subscription season from October through May. Drawing its membership from throughout the region, the symphony is comprised of professional musicians, music educators, exceptional student performers, and accomplished amateurs.

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