Don Heckenlively Music Performance Competition

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 2023 Don Heckenlively Music Competition was Sunday, January 22, 2023 

Competition Details

The purpose of the competition is to give the young performers in our county an opportunity to practice performance skills. Hillsdale County resident singers and instrumentalists ages 11-18 are eligible to enter.  Each performer is evaluated by a panel of distinguished musicians.

Contest Categories: Vocal, Strings, Keyboard, Other Instrumental, Ensemble

AWARDS
Grades 9 - 12 (Ages 15-18):
Senior First Place Winner: $100
Senior Second Place Winner: $50
Senior Third Place Winner: $25

Grades 6 - 8 (Ages 11-14):
Junior First Place Winner: $50
Junior Second Place Winner: $25
Junior Third Place Winner: $15

Students under 11 years old may perform for the judges to obtain a critique of their performances. Performers in this group would not be eligible for cash prizes and will pay a reduced fee of $5.00 for the critique. 

REQUIREMENTS
  1. CRITIQUES ONLY: Students under 11 years old may perform for the judges to obtain a critique of their performances. Performers in this group would not be eligible for cash prizes and will pay a reduced fee of $5.00 for the critique.
  2. Music must be unamplified (no microphones or electronic equipment, including karaoke CDs).
  3. It is expected that contestants will not perform pieces they’ve used in the past for this competition.
  4. Appropriate vocal material: Art songs, sacred music of all eras, and Broadway show tunes. Rap and a capella solo vocal performances are not permitted. Singers must perform from memory.
  5. Appropriate instrumental material: Etudes, jazz standards, and solo instrumental material.
  6. 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.
  7. ArtWorks reserves final right of approval for all repertoire and category selections.
  8. 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.
  9. There is a $10.00 entry fee, or $5.00 for those seeking only a critique (under 11 years old). Checks should be made out to ArtWorks of Hillsdale, Inc. One check is sufficient for multiple entries if entering more than one category.
  10. Space is limited to 25 entries for each category. Apply early to reserve your spot.

The application fee is $10 per category. (Critique only is $5). Space is limited to 25 applicants per category. 


The Application Deadline is closed for 2023.
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Click the links below for a printout version of the requirements, application, and photography release form. Please include the photography release form when submitting applications.

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