Information on 2025’s audition date will be updated as the information is available, the basics of the auditions stay the same every year.

Calling all high school musicians in Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa, and Whiteside and Carroll counties in Illinois! You are invited to prepare a string, instrumental, or vocal work to perform with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra.

This is Clinton Symphony’s 71st year, and the student auditions and performances have been an important part of our history. Past participants have gone on to become prominent music teachers, performers and conductors, as well as leaders in other professions. This year’s honoree will be an important part of that succession.

All details are in the PDF’s linked below. Applications must be received by January 4, 2025.



Recent Young Artist Soloists with the Symphony

2023 – Akshar Barot, Rock Falls – flute

2022 – Keegan Roddy, Sterling – cello

2021 – Brennon Cavanagh, Savannah – tenor saxophone

2020 – Kevin Lemus, Sterling – flute

2018 – Grace Rowland, Clinton – flute      William Hicks, Clinton – bassoon

2017 – Allison Houldson, Morrison – soprano

2016 – Cody Lund, Sterling – violin

2015 – Alice Lind, Clinton – soprano    Colleen Elfline, Morrison – saxophone

2014 – Cyrus Colah, Clinton – piano

2013 – Benjamin Rogers, Savanna – tuba     Taylor Hicks, Clinton – tuba

2012 – Alexandria Weets, Morrison – saxophone

2011 – Heather Elfline, Morrison – flute

2010 – Dillon Schuneman, Sterling – piano

2009 – Johnny Kermott, Sterling – violin     David Olsen, Fulton – marimba

2008 – Matthew Hulteen, Sterling – saxophone

2007 – Marissa Decker, Clinton – oboe      MaryAnn Webb, Fulton – clarinet

2006 – Julianna Karvelius, Morrison – saxophone

2005 – Benjamin Schantz, Sterling – violin     Felicia Lewis, Mount Carroll – oboe

2004 – Jamie Skinner, Milledgeville – flute