Eleanor Gray says:
“I competed in the Don Heckenlively Music Competition for 3 years and always found it to be a very beneficial program. As a soloist, I was able to refine my skills and learn many new techniques about playing trombone that always helped me in the long run. I appreciated the feedback that the judges gave me, as it helped me improve when I played my solos llater at Solo and Ensemble. Many of the things I learned from the judges at the Don Heckenlively Competiton are things I still use today as a college student in Marching Band! It was a great experience that I would recommend to any students interested in performing, whether that be vocally or instrumentally.”
“I competed in the Don Heckenlively Music Competition for 3 years and always found it to be a very beneficial program. As a soloist, I was able to refine my skills and learn many new techniques about playing trombone that always helped me in the long run. I appreciated the feedback that the judges gave me, as it helped me improve when I played my solos llater at Solo and Ensemble. Many of the things I learned from the judges at the Don Heckenlively Competiton are things I still use today as a college student in Marching Band! It was a great experience that I would recommend to any students interested in performing, whether that be vocally or instrumentally.”
Don Heckenlively Music Performance Competition
The 2026 Competition will be held on
Sunday, January 25, 2026
at Hillsdale First United Methodist Church
45 North Manning Street, Hillsdale
About the Don Heckenlively Music Competition
In 2019, members of the ArtWorks board voted to re-name the Winter Music Competition to the Don Heckenlively Music Competition in honor of the late Don Heckenlively, who was a founding member of the board served as president of the board, and was a long-time supporter of the annual music competition.
The Nineteenth Annual Don Heckenlively Music Performance Competition is open to singers and instrumental musicians from Hillsdale County from Grades Six through Twelve and for critiques for musicians under 11 years of age.
Contest categories: Vocal, Strings, other instrumental, keyboard, ensembles
Awards per Category
Grades 9 - 12 (Ages 15-18) and Grades 6 - 8 (ages 11-14)
Senior First Place Winners: $100 Junior First Place Winners: $50
Senior Second Place Winners: $50 Junior Second Place Winners: $25
Senior Third Place Winners: $25. Junior Third Place Winners: $15
Judges will award first, second, and third place awards to contestants in each category based on their performances. All contestants will receive Participation Certificates and written comments from judges to help hone skills for future performances. Decisions of the judges are final.
Requirements:
1. Critiques Only: Youngsters under 11 years old may perform for the judges to obtain a critique of their performances. Performers in this group are not eligible for cash prizes and will pay a reduced fee of $10.00 for the critique.
2. Music must be unamplified (no microphones or electronic equipment, including karaoke CDs).
3. Contestants may not perform pieces they have used in the past for this competition.
4. Appropriate vocal material includes: art songs, sacred music of all eras and Broadway show tunes. Rap and acapella solo vocal performances are not permitted. Singers must perform from memory.
5. Appropriate instrumental material includes: Etudes, jazz standards and solo instrumental material. Instrumentalists may perform with or without accompaniment. Instrumentalists may use printed music. A music stand will be provided. Ensembles may include up to eight individuals. ArtWorks reserves the final right of approval for all repertoire and category selections.
6. If a student is entering more than one category, a separate application form and entry fee will be required for each category. Limit of one entry per student per category. One application fee per group for ensembles.
7. There is a $20.00 entry fee, or $10.00 for those seeking only a critique (under 11 years old). If an accompanist is required there will be an additional $20.00 fee. For Families - $20.00 for the first family member, $10.00 for each additional family member. Checks should be made out to ArtWorks of Hillsdale, Inc. One check is sufficient for multiple entries if entering more than one category.
8. Space is limited to 15 entries for each category. Apply early to reserve your spot.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2025
Contest categories: Vocal, Strings, other instrumental, keyboard, ensembles
Awards per Category
Grades 9 - 12 (Ages 15-18) and Grades 6 - 8 (ages 11-14)
Senior First Place Winners: $100 Junior First Place Winners: $50
Senior Second Place Winners: $50 Junior Second Place Winners: $25
Senior Third Place Winners: $25. Junior Third Place Winners: $15
Judges will award first, second, and third place awards to contestants in each category based on their performances. All contestants will receive Participation Certificates and written comments from judges to help hone skills for future performances. Decisions of the judges are final.
Requirements:
1. Critiques Only: Youngsters under 11 years old may perform for the judges to obtain a critique of their performances. Performers in this group are not eligible for cash prizes and will pay a reduced fee of $10.00 for the critique.
2. Music must be unamplified (no microphones or electronic equipment, including karaoke CDs).
3. Contestants may not perform pieces they have used in the past for this competition.
4. Appropriate vocal material includes: art songs, sacred music of all eras and Broadway show tunes. Rap and acapella solo vocal performances are not permitted. Singers must perform from memory.
5. Appropriate instrumental material includes: Etudes, jazz standards and solo instrumental material. Instrumentalists may perform with or without accompaniment. Instrumentalists may use printed music. A music stand will be provided. Ensembles may include up to eight individuals. ArtWorks reserves the final right of approval for all repertoire and category selections.
6. If a student is entering more than one category, a separate application form and entry fee will be required for each category. Limit of one entry per student per category. One application fee per group for ensembles.
7. There is a $20.00 entry fee, or $10.00 for those seeking only a critique (under 11 years old). If an accompanist is required there will be an additional $20.00 fee. For Families - $20.00 for the first family member, $10.00 for each additional family member. Checks should be made out to ArtWorks of Hillsdale, Inc. One check is sufficient for multiple entries if entering more than one category.
8. Space is limited to 15 entries for each category. Apply early to reserve your spot.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2025
Click below to print the application and photo release form!
(Note, please download each form (or open each form with preview), print and complete the application and the release form and mail in with your check payable to ArtWorks of Hillsdale County by December 31, 2025).
(Note, please download each form (or open each form with preview), print and complete the application and the release form and mail in with your check payable to ArtWorks of Hillsdale County by December 31, 2025).
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