In the 2018-19 season, the Utah Symphony will host its 59th annual Salute to Youth concert. After a competitive audition process, selected performers present a movement of a concerto in concert with the Utah Symphony.
Interested in auditioniong for Salute to Youth? Here's How:
1. Determine your eligibility. You must be a current resident of Utah and within the following age divisions:
Instrument |
Elementary |
Junior |
Senior |
Piano, Strings, and Harp |
age 8-12 |
age 13-15 |
age 16-18 |
Winds, Brass, and Percussion |
no division under age 13 |
age 13-17 |
age 16-18 |
Voice |
no division under age 16 |
age 16-18 |
age 19-22 |
Ensembles |
One age division ages 8-18 |
2. Prepare or have prepared a piece from the Approved Repertoire List
3. Thorougly read the Guidelines
4. ENSEMBLES submit repertoire requests to Beverly Hawkins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by May 4, 2018
5. Fill out the Online Application (due by May 18, 2018 at 5 pm)
6. Submit a preliminary audition recording (instructions emailed to you after application has been accepted) by June 8, 2018
7. Await the announcement of the finalists, which will be posted on this webpage on June 29, 2018
8. If selected as a finalist, prepare to play a live audition for a panel of judges on July 16, 2018
If you would like to stay up-to-date with the most current Salute to Youth happenings, we encourage you to join our email list by contacting Beverly Hawkins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and indicate if you are a teacher (include instrument) or a student. If you have any questions about eligibility or the auditions, please contact Beverly Hawkins.
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The 58th annual Saute to Youth concert featuring young Utah musicians soloing with the Utah Symphony took
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Salute to Youth 50th Anniversary: The September 29, 2009 Salute to Youth concert marked the 50th anniversary of this great tradition. Deseret News has been the sponsor of this exciting celebration of young musical talent in Utah for the entire 58 years. Click here for a collection of some of their memories of their experiences as Salute to Youth soloists. Click here for a list of former soloists. This concert is sponsored each year by the Deseret News.
All-Star Evening
Pianist Jarom Martineau, 17, was selected at the 2017-18 Salute to Youth final auditions to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 1 cwith the Utah Symphony on the All-Star Evening concert on May 22, 2018. The All-Star Evening also includes orchestral selections performed by Utah Symphony musicians sitting side-by-side with students who have been nominated from 10 youth orchestras. Symphony is proud to support the musical aspirations of Utah students with this performance opportunity.
Youth Guild Recital
Youth Guild members who have earned two education and two service credits are eligible to audition for the Youth Guild recital each spring. Students who perform on the Youth Guild recital have automatic eligibility for the following season's Salute to Youth final auditions. Information about auditions and the recital date will be announced later this season. Senior division winners receive $250, junior division winners receive $200 and elementary division winners receive $150. The excitement generated by these young musicians (Ages 10-18) will leave you inspired and smiling for days. To learn more about the Youth Guild and to obtain an application, visit the Youth Guild section on our website.