Rules of Entry

Participants must be between the ages of 11 and 18 on April 18, 2026.
Participants must attend a public, private, or home school that resides in Polk County.
The competition will be divided by ages 11-14 Juniors and 15-18 Seniors and by categories of vocal, piano, and instrumental. At the discretion of competition organizers, a guitar category for both Junior and Senior levels may be added if at least 6 students apply. If less than 6 apply, guitarists will be adjudicated along with instrumental competitors.
Students are required to provide their own accompanist (if needed).
Participants must prepare two contrasting selections and are required to MEMORIZE their music. Selections should be from the standard classical music repertoire. Woodwind, brass, percussion, and piano participants are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Bandmasters Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 2 through 4 or higher; and Senior Division-level 5 through 7. String participants are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Orchestra Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 1 through 3 or higher; and Senior Division level 4 through 6. Vocalists are recommended to select their music from the current Florida Vocal Association Music List: Junior Division Music-level 1 through 3 or higher; and Senior Division level 4 through 5.
Vocal students are encouraged, but not required, to sing one selection in a foreign language.
Total time will be limited to 10 minutes for juniors and 15 minutes for seniors. Please note that this time limit is for both pieces. The time limit will be strictly observed.
Participants must upload 1 copy of their music with measures numbered for use by the adjudicator. Selections from a method book must be photocopied and uploaded for the adjudicator (please do not submit the entire method book).
Prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. Not every prize will be awarded if, in the opinion of the adjudicators, no winner is justified in that category.
All adjudicator’s decisions are final.
Participants are REQUIRED to appear in the public, in-person recital on Saturday, April 12, 2025 beginning at 3:00 PM at the Lake Wales Arts Center.
Students CANNOT receive an award if they are not present at the public recital. Students receiving an award are asked to play one of the selections performed during the competition.
Prizes will be awarded in vocal, piano, and instrumental categories:
Ages 11 - 14 (JUNIORS)
1st Prize: $100
2nd Prize: $75
3rd Prize: $50
Ages 15 - 18 (SENIORS)
1st Prize: $250
2nd Prize: $175
3rd Prize: $100
There will be one $500.00 award for exceptional performance ability in the combined Senior and Junior Divisions.
By participating in the 19th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival all participants agree to terms allowing the Lake Wales Arts Council to use audio and video recording of their submission for archival and promotional purposes.
Applications and video submissions MUST BE submitted via FormCraft by 11:59 PM on March 13, 2026.