Scholarship Competition Rules
Official Rules and Requirements:
Applications are open to all students up to age 18, residing and attending school or homeschool in the seven-county Greater Cleveland region, namely the counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina, Lorain, Mahoning, Erie, Huron, Ashtabula, and Stark. *Applicants may be of any age up to 18 but must not be attending college or university.
The winner of the competition will perform a solo with The Cleveland Pops Orchestra at one of its concerts, as determined by Conductor Carl Topilow. A cash prize of $1,000 will also be awarded. The winner must be available to rehearse with the orchestra at times designated by the music director.
Written permission and approval from the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must accompany the application.
Music Selection
Applicants must be prepared to perform a full-length musical selection from memory not to exceed 10 minutes.
All applicants must perform audition with either live keyboard or soundtrack accompaniment.
There must be an arrangement available to be performed by the applicant with symphony orchestra.
The selection choice may be drawn from standard popular music repertoire, including songs, dances or instrumental solos found in Broadway musicals, jazz, rock, or light classics.
Auditions
In-person auditions will be held at The Music Settlement on Sunday, November 8, 2026, between 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Deadline
Application deadline is Thursday, November 5, 2026.
For questions, please contact;
Bettyjeane Quimby, Director of Education, Cleveland Pops Orchestra at bettyjeaneq@clevelandpops.com
