Ventura, CA. - Young violinists and violists will compete for prizes at the 3rd annual Henry Schwab Ventura County Violin/Viola Competition. The preliminary round is at Guthrie Hall, Ventura College on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. Contestants will play for the panel of judges, Robert Lawson, head of the VC Music Department, Irving Weinstein, concert master of the VC Symphony, and Jack Ullom, professor emeritus of Santa Barbara City College and an eminent violinist. The judges will select four finalists who will go on to the final concerto competition with orchestra on May 22, 2010. All finalists receive cash prizes.

Applications are due at Ventura College by January 8. Each contestant is asked to play a short piece by J.S. Bach of their choice, another contrasting work of their choice and a movement of a standard violin or viola concerto. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable $30 entry fee.

For an application go to VC website, www.venturacollege.edu to download the application form.

For further information or to request an application, call 805-525-0144.

Background on Henry Schwab: The event, the Henry Schwab Ventura County Violin Competition, honors Henry Schwab, who began violin study in New York at a young age. His talent prompted his parents to send him to Europe in 1924 to continue his training. He studied in Vienna, graduating with highest honors. His study continued in Berlin with the world-famous professor Carl Flesch and later with the Russian virtuoso, Spiwakowsky. He studied in Paris under French master Jacques Thibaud. After taking a degree from Normale de Musique, he returned to the United States for a brilliant career as a concert violinist, concertmaster, teacher and collector of instruments. Maestro Schwab passed away at the age of 100 in 2006, and his wife Miriam has established this competition in his memory.

Additional Information on the Competition: The contest has two categories: for violinists up to the age of 17, upon the recommendation of their music teacher, and for those 18 – 25, either upon the recommendation of their music instructor or enrollment in an accredited college or university. There is a $30 entrance fee. The preliminary competition is January 24. Candidates must play two selections, both from memory, for the panel of judges. Competitors must bring a score for the judges and supply their own piano accompanist. Auditions will last no longer than 20 minutes. The evaluation will include accuracy, musicianship and style. Two finalists will be selected from each category to continue in the May 24, 2009 competition. The May competition will require two rehearsals with the Symphony and a live performance that will be open to the public.

The application for the Competition is available on the College website – www.venturacollege.edu – under the Public Relations section of the home page in the viewer’s lower right side of the screen. The completed application should be mailed with the entry fee check to the college at Ventura College, attn: Dr. Burns Taft, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura CA 93003.
APPLICATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Henry Schwab Ventura County Violin Competition
Name (Print) ____________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
City ______________________ State ___________ Zip __________________
Email _____________________________ Phone(s) ______________________
Age ____________ Date of Birth _____________________________________
Name of Violin Teacher ______________________________
High School/ College ____________________________________
Selections to be played at the Preliminary Audition
1) Classical Selection: ____________________________________________________________
2) Concerto: ____________________________________________________________
TO BE FILLED OUT BY THE INSTRUCTOR
Name (PRINT) ______________________________________________________
Signature __________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
City ______________________ State ___________ Zip __________________
Email _____________________________ Phone(s) ______________________
Teacher’s signature____________________________________________________
Applicant’s signature___________________________________________________
If under 21, parent’s signature is required: _________________________________
Entry fee is $30. Please make the check out to Ventura College. Mail application and entry fee (checks or money orders only) to
Ventura College
Attn: Dr. Burns Taft, Music Dept. (Violin Competition)
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura CA 93003