What We Do - Education

The best young string musicians from the Central Louisiana area audition and rehearse over 2 days and have the opportunity to work with a regionally recognized clinician/conductor. The program culminates with a concert that is free and open to the public.

Auditions for this year will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Pineville High School. 

See your teacher for required excerpts or email [email protected] for more information. 

The Honor Orchestra Concert will be held on Friday, March 5, 2027 at the Pineville High School Auditorium.  The performance is free and open to the public.

This project is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.  Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.

2026 Young Adult Division Winner: Elijah Asmussen

2026 Youth Division Winner: Jose Luzuriaga

This biennial competition attracts the very best young instrumental soloists from throughout Louisiana to win the opportunity to perform on a subscription concert with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and cash prizes.

2026 Concerto Competition

Saturday, February 7, 2026
Louisiana Christian University Music Department  

Divisions
Youth:  Ages 10 – 18 (on the audition date)
Young Adult:  Ages 19 – 25 (on the audition date)

Prizes
Cash Awards (Youth - $500, Young Adult $1,000)
Perfromance with the Rapides Symphony on Saturday. March 14, 2026

Applicaton Deadline
Friday, January 16, 2025

Click here for complete rules and application form.

Our  “Side by Side” program gives the best and brightest high school-aged (grades 9-12) musicians in the region an opportunity to perform alongside our professional musicians. After a competitive audition process, these students receive small-group coaching with players from the Symphony. They are then paired with a member of the orchestra, who acts as a personal “coach” throughout the rehearsal process. This challenging, enriching, and inspiring experience gives the students a sense of the dedication and professionalism that awaits them if they choose a career in music.

Musicians selected for this program perform with the Symphony on our annual "Holiday Concert" each December. For string players, auditions are held at the same time as our Youth Honor Orchestra Auditions in October 2026.   Wind players who are selected for the LMEA All-State Symphonic Band are also invited to join the Symphony for this concert. 
 

The Symphony utilizes the talents of its musicians, guest artists, and volunteer docents as musical ambassadors to the area’s schools. Maestro Zona also visits area schools as often as possible to work with their performing ensembles. If you would like information on having a Symphony musician visit your school, call the Symphony office at 318-442-9709.