Note: This competition will not be held in 2008-2009

Newton's Classical Idol Competition gives students from Newton a chance to compete in performance with the Newton Symphony Orchestra before a live audience and expert judges. One winner is selected in each of three age categories; elementary, middle and high school; the winner of the High School category receives the Lasker prize, named in memory of the late Henry Lasker, beloved Newton music educator, and in honor of his wife Gertrude. The winner of the Middle school category wins the Catherine Abele Music Award, made possible by a gift from the Argosy Foundation on behalf of John Abele, in memory of his mother. The competition is open to talented school-age musicians from Newton.

Competition summary
The competition is open to Newton residents in elementary through high school. The competition process has three stages:

1. Students submit an application form, postmarked by September 26th, accompanied by a $15 application fee (new);
2. Selected applicants audition on Thursday October 11th between about 3.30pm and 8.30pm at the First Baptist Church in Newton Centre, when winners will be chosen in elementary and middle school categories and three finalists will be chosen in the High School category;
3. Elementary and Middle school winners and High School finalists perform with the NSO in a public Newton's Classical Idol Competition concert on December 15th at 2pm at the Rashi Auditorium. A panel of esteemed classical musicians selects the High School winner.

Categories and qualifications
A winner will be chosen from each of three age categories:

• Elementary school
• Middle school
• High school

Performers on all orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, and voice are invited to apply. Applicants must not have completed 12th grade at the time of the audition, and must reside in Newton.

Prizes
Competition winners and finalists perform with the Newton Symphony Orchestra before a live audience at Newton's Classical Idol Competition on Saturday December 15th at 2pm. Competition winners each receive a cash prize.

Auditions
Auditions will take place on October 11th between 3.30pm and 8.30pm at the First Baptist Church at Newton Centre, on the corner of Center and Beacon Streets. The competition will be open to the public, and may be videotaped for archival purposes. The competition piece must be a single movement of a standard concerto, concert piece, or aria with orchestral accompaniment, and must not exceed ten minutes in length. For the competition, you must provide your own accompanist; cost and arrangements for such are the responsibility of the applicant. Pianists must perform without accompaniment as only one piano is available.

There will be a warm up room available for use at the auditions, however there is only one warm up piano available which must be shared by all auditioners and their accompanists. Please do not plan to rehearse in the warm up room, it is intended for a quick run through or for checking spots here and there.