YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION

The Kenneth G. Bloomquist Prize

Established by the Lansing Concert Band in 2011, the Bloomquist Prize recognizes outstanding high school musicians in the mid-Michigan area.

The award is named in honor of LCB Director Emeritus and former director of bands at Michigan State University, Ken Bloomquist (1931–2021). 

Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship prize and perform as a featured soloist with the band at our annual spring concert.

Bloomquist Prize Winners

2024: Penelope Wernet, flute
2023: Alec Jachalke, bassoon
2022: Zora Alfredson, horn
2020: Karl Rueterbusch, marimba
2019: Natalie Feldpausch, oboe
2018: Genevieve Brown, flute
2017: Aaron Smokovitz, trumpet
2016: Justin Best, clarinet
2015: Martin Kocev, clarinet
2014: Aden Berry, tuba
2013: Lydia Roth, flute
2012: Diedreanna Potter, harp
2011: Jordan Lulloff, saxophone

Featured photos

1. Kenneth Bloomquist with the MSU Spartan Marching Band, 1970s; Michigan State University Archive Photos.

2. A portrait of Bloomquist conducting from 2007.

Bloomquist became the Director of Bands at MSU in 1970 and he conducted the Lansing Concert Band from 1988–1994. 

Become the next LCB Young Artist

The competition is open to high school musicians in grades 9–12, enrolled in school from the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Livingston, Midland, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Washtenaw.

Performers of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments may apply. As an applicant, you must select a work for your instrument that has an available band or wind ensemble arrangement. An audio or video recording of your performance must be submitted with piano, band, or orchestral accompaniment. Submission deadline: February 5, 2025

The winner will perform their solo selection with the Lansing Concert Band at our spring concert on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00. A cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded along with a professional recording of the performance.  

Judges’ decisions are final. The winner is responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

Questions?

Please e-mail us at competition@lansingconcertband.org or call 517-775-1735 

Apply online by February 5, 2025

The button below will take you to our online application form. You will need to provide a link to an unedited audio or video file of you performing your selected work with accompaniment. A piano accompaniment is acceptable for the application process. If the work is multi-movement, select the first or last movement; play the entire movement. If the work is through-composed, play the piece in its entirety. 

Accepted audio formats include: .mp3, .m4a, .wma, .wav, .flac, .ogg and .aac formats. Accepted video formats include: .avi, .wmv, .mov or any MPEG file format. The recording should not contain any spoken words or other identifying information. Only the audio from video recordings will be judged. 

If you are under age 18 at time of submission, we will need you to download the Parental/Legal Guardian Consent Form and print. Sign your name stating the recording you submitted is yours. Then have your parent or guardian sign the form indicating they approve of your participation and performance.

Mail the completed consent form to address below, along with $25 application fee (checks made payable to Lansing Concert Band). The application fee will be refunded only in the event that a winner is not selected. Your online application will not be considered until we receive consent form and fee. Please also provide a copy of your solo; any photocopies will be destroyed after judging.

Bloomquist Prize Chairperson
4443 Alderwood Drive
Okemos, MI 48864

We will notify you via e-mail when we receive your application, audio file, solo copy, consent form and check. 

Proceed to Online Application

Apply by mail by February 5, 2025 

Download the application form using the button below, print out and complete. Please print legibly, particularly your e-mail address.

Prepare an unedited audio/video recording of you performing your selected work with accompaniment. A piano accompaniment is acceptable for the application process. If the work is multi-movement, select the first or last movement; play the entire movement. If the work is through-composed, play the piece in its entirety. The submitted recording should not contain any spoken words or other identifying information. Only the audio from video recordings will be judged.
  
Include a check for the $25 application fee (made payable to Lansing Concert Band). The application fee will be refunded only in the event that a winner is not selected.

Your completed application packet should include: Completed application form, recording of your audition piece (on flash drive or other media), a copy of your solo (any photocopies will be destroyed after judging), and $25 fee. Your application will not be considered unless the application packet is complete. 

Bloomquist Prize Chairperson
4443 Alderwood Drive
Okemos, MI 48864

We will notify you via e-mail when we receive your completed packet.

Mail-In Application Form

Lansing Concert Band

P.O. Box 11152
Lansing, MI 48901

Mission

Our continuing mission is to provide Lansing and surrounding communities with top-quality symphonic band musical entertainment, and to fill the need of adult musicians who wish to continue their musical growth beyond that of high school and college instrumental programs. The Lansing Concert Band accepts new members by audition, however most sections do not have open seats at this time. 

Contact the LCB

@LansingConcertBand

@lansingconcertband

Lansing Concert Band

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