​Sponsored by the Ozark Festival Orchestra and the

Barry- Lawrence Area United Fund

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Applications Due:

October 24, 2026

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Audition Date:

November 21, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

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Required Dress Rehearsal: 

February 27, 2027 (1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

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Concert Date:

February 28, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.

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Junior Division:

9th grade or younger

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Senior Division:

Grades 10-12

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One more additional rehearsal on a Tuesday evening will be required.  The date for that is to be worked out with the director.  The performance and all rehearsals will be held at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 1 David Sippy Drive at the Monett High School in Monett, MO.

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Medals awarded to all contestants.  Winner(s) will perform in concert with the Ozark Festival Orchestra on February 28, 2027.

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ELIGIBILITY and DETAILS:

1.  Contestants (vocal, piano or other instrument) must be a student in a public,  private or home school in a population center of less than 25,000.  Any student or family member of an OFO member may compete regardless of population center. 

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2.  Contestant must be studying/taking private lessons with an instructor who can prepare him/her for the performance situation.

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3.  Contestants must choose one movement from a concerto (or a solo, aria or Broadway tune) that can be performed with the orchestra.  All repertoire must be approved by the OFO music director prior to audition.    Please check prior to submission that an orchestral accompaniment for your piece is available.

                          

4.  Contestants must audition with an accompanist. Memorization is NOT required.  

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5.  Contestants must bring a musical score to the audition for the OFO director.​

 

6.  Winner(s) must attend the dress rehearsal and one other rehearsal to be worked out with the director, to prepare for the performance.  Attendance at the dress rehearsal is MANDATORY.  The winner(s) will perform in concert with the OFO on Sunday, February 28, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.  Dress rehearsal will be Saturday, February 27, 2027 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.   

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7.  Previous winners are not eligible to compete, even in a different medium.  However, a Jr. Division winner may compete in the Sr. Division upon reaching the 10th grade - either in the same or another medium.   

         

8.  A $15 entry fee must be submitted with your completed application.  Mail application and fee to Natalie Sneed at 232 E. Grace St, Republic, MO 65738.  If completing the application online, still mail the application fee to Natalie.  Make check payable to Ozark Festival Orchestra.  An audition schedule will be created after the application deadline has passed.  Your audition time will be emailed/texted to you.  Feel free to call or text Natalie at 417-827-6706 or email her at nataliebsneed70@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.  

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9.  Winner names are engraved on a plaque that hangs in the foyer of the PAC.   

                                               

10.  On the day of the auditions, (Saturday, November 21), all contestants must be present for the announcement of the winners.  A picture will then be taken of all participants and all winners to be used for advertising for the concert.  Plan on that day to be a 9:00-12:00 day, but it might be less depending on your audition time. ​​​