Vernice N. Church Challenge for Young Artists

Challenge Guidelines 

1. Participants must be residents of Albany, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Jefferson, Lewis, Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren, or Washington Counties.
2. The Challenge is open to instrumentalists and vocalists in Grades 9 – 12.
3. The exact date of the Challenge in April 2025 will be announced in late September 2024.
4. Students must submit an application, complete with teacher(s) recommendation to be considered for the event.  The selected work must be from the current NYSSMA Manual, Level 5 or 6. Memorization is NOT required.
5. Participants must submit a copy of their music with their application.
6. All photos submitted and taken the day of the event are the property of The Orchestra of Northern New York and may be used for publicity purposes without compensation.
7. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2025.   No late entries will be accepted. Each complete application must include:
   
   1. Application form, including student and teacher certifications.
   2. A selection from the current NYSSMA Manual, Level 5 or 6.
   3. A non-refundable application fee of $25 payable to “ONNY.”
   4. An electronic copy of applicant’s photo
   5. 100-word bio
   6. A pdf of your music

NOTE: Email completed application and all required materials by March 15, 2025 to: challenge@onny.org OR mail them to: ONNY, Challenge for Young Artists, PO Box 488, Potsdam, NY 13676.