divisions – NOLA Chamber Fest

GENERAL COMPETITION INFO

PREPARATION

Ensembles should receive a minimum of three coachings from a qualified professional coach prior to the competition, however, we strongly encourage weekly coachings. Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers, none of whom may be full time professional musicians.* Please email us if you have any questions or need help finding a coach.

*A full time professional musician is considered someone who earns the majority of their income as a performing musician or music teacher. This does not apply to the Emerging Ensemble Division.

DIVISION DETERMINATION

We have recently updated our Divisions. Check each division page for more specific information. Please reach out if your group has a unique circumstance regarding ages, grades, or with any other questions about division determination. We will be happy to find a solution together!

Ensembles entering may not have a faculty or staff member as part of their ensemble.

COMPETITION RESULTS

Results will be announced March 1, 2024 via email, social media, and the NCF website. Comment sheets will be provided within six weeks of the festival. Visit the registration page & sign up today!

JUNIOR

The Junior Division inspires and motivates through goal-oriented performance and learning opportunities for students in elementary and middle school, offering young musicians gentle, supportive guidance and perspective on playing their instruments individually and with others. Participants are introduced to the world of chamber music, attend concerts featuring professional ensembles, and are encouraged to seek out instruction and guidance from local music educators as they continue on this rewarding path.

ELIGIBILITY

Junior Division ensembles consist of students who are in 4th-8th grades during the 2023-2024 academic school year.
Division determination is based on the highest grade level in the ensemble. For example, if three members of a quartet are in 4th-8th grade and the fourth member is in high school, your ensemble should enter in the High School Division.
Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
Musicians who currently reside in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida are eligible to apply.

DEADLINES + FEES

Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $60 per ensemble.

Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $120 per ensemble.

All registration fees are nonrefundable. Please email us with any questions or concerns regarding the registration fee. NOLA Chamber Fest will do its best to assist you with any concerns regarding financial needs.

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Click the link below to view our PDF of all repertoire requirements for your division!

PRIZES

Per Ensemble
Medals and Winners Certificate for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners.

INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE

Free admission to Opening Night Emerging Ensemble Competition Finals.
Free admission to Decoda In Concert.
Participation in the Junior Division Masterclass with Loki Karuna.
Free access to the Winners Masterclass with Jerusalem Quartet.
Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet, plus one voucher for a parent or friend.

BARBARA PHILLEO

HIGH SCHOOL

The Barbara Philleo High School Division inspires and motivates through goal-oriented performance and learning opportunities for high school students, offering young musicians guidance and perspective on performing with others, introducing them to the world of chamber music, providing opportunities to hear concerts by professional ensembles, and encouraging them to continue to express their own unique voices through music and collaboration.

ELIGIBILITY

High School Division ensembles consist of students who are in 9th-12th grade during the 2023-2024 academic school year. If you have any questions about your ensemble’s eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact Programming Director Benjamin Atherholt at ben@lyricabaroque.com
Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
The High School Division is open to any ensemble whose members reside in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.

DEADLINES + FEES

Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $100 per ensemble.

Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $200 per ensemble.

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Click the link below to view our PDF of all repertoire requirements for your division!

PRIZES

per ensemble

1st Prize – $500 cash & Winners Masterclass Performance
2nd prize – $400 cash
3rd prize – $300 cash
2 Honorable Mention Awards $150 cash each

INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE

Free admission to Opening Night Emerging Ensemble Competition Finals
Free admission to Decoda In Concert
Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet. plus one voucher for a parent or friend.

New Orleans Friends of Music, Drs. Ranney & Emel Songu Mize and Jonathan McCall

EMERGING ENSEMBLE

The Emerging Ensemble Division is designed for college through graduate and young professional ensembles working to build a career in chamber music through goal-oriented competition and performance opportunities, exposure, and networking. Ensembles looking to stay together beyond one semester, reach a broader community, and/or engage more seriously in the chamber music industry are encouraged to enter this division. Young professional musicians embarking on a chamber music career from across the country meet other motivated ensembles, learn new skills for advancing their careers, and immerse themselves in New Orleans’ thriving chamber music community.

ELIGIBILITY

The Emerging Ensemble Division includes groups whose members are enrolled in an undergraduate, masters, or post master’s degree program (i.e. artist diploma, performing artist certificate or doctorate), and/or post-graduates not currently enrolled in a university or conservatory program, actively pursuing and/or maintaining a career in music.
All members must be 35 years of age or younger by February 16, 2024.
Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
The Emerging Ensemble Division is open to any ensemble currently residing in the United States.

DEADLINES + FEES

Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $150 per ensemble.

Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $300 per ensemble.

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Click the link below to view our PDF of all repertoire requirements for your division!

PRIZES

per ensemble

1st Prize – $5,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans; presented in concert in New Orleans before Dec. 31, 2026.
2nd prize – $2,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans.
3rd Prize – $1,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans.

INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE

Free admission to Decoda In Concert.
Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet.