Jocelyn Ybarra began playing violin in her elementary school orchestra in fifth grade. She is a senior in high school, and she plans to attend the University of Missouri in the fall majoring in both psychology and violin performance. Jocelyn is the associate concertmaster of the Springfield Youth Symphony, and she studies violin with Dr. David Hays of Missouri State University.
Moses Pavon began playing violin in his sixth grade orchestra, switching to the viola the following year. He is a senior in high school, and he plans to attend the University of Missouri in the fall to study music composition. Moses is the principal violist of the Springfield Youth Symphony, where he won the composition festival competition in 2024. He studied viola with Ms. Samantha Silver-Peters.
2024 – Dakota Walton, Elgar Cello Concerto, first movement
2025 – Mason Matthews, Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4, first movement
2025 – Rush Matthews, Kabalevsky Cello Concerto No. 1, first movement
Eligibility: All students through grade 12 are welcome to audition. (Any age but must be pre-college.)
Application Deadline: Saturday, March 6, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Audition: Saturday, March 13, 2027; audition times TBD between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Concert Date: To be determined (late April 2027 or early May 2027) in Spangler Hall
Grand Prize: The winner will be chosen to perform a movement of a concerto or individual piece with the Drury University Orchestra and will receive a monetary prize of $500.
Application Process: First, work with your teacher to make sure your piece has an orchestral accompaniment that is available. Memorization is not required, but memorization may be used as a factor by the judges. After your application is submitted (see below), your repertoire will be approved by the orchestra director. You will receive an email once your repertoire choice is approved, and then you should plan on attending the in-person audition held at the Drury University campus in Spangler Concert Hall. This audition will determine the concerto winner. Musicians are responsible for bringing their own accompanist to the audition. Please direct any questions to: Andy Johnston, Orchestra Director, ajohnston008@drury.edu.