Berks Sinfonietta has announced the return of its Berks County Scholarship Competition for 2026, offering local high school musicians the chance to earn scholarship support and perform with the orchestra.
Now in its second year, the competition is open to Berks County students in grades 10 through 12, regardless of instrument or intended college major. The program is supported by the Reading Musical Foundation.
Students may apply through a fully virtual process by completing a short application and submitting a video, up to 15 minutes long, showcasing their musical abilities. Submitted videos must include both the soloist and an accompanist. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a video of the piece they hope to perform with the orchestra.
Two students will be selected as winners. Each will receive a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to perform as a soloist with Berks Sinfonietta at its Aug. 22, 2026, concert, which is expected to take place at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing.
The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Additional details and the application form are available at berkssinfonietta.org/scholarship-competition.
Questions about the competition may be directed to Dr. David McConnell, Berks Sinfonietta’s artistic director, at info@berkssinfonietta.org.
Last year’s competition drew eight applicants, with Artemis Drake and Ariel Metzger selected as winners. Recordings of their performances with Berks Sinfonietta are available online. Organizers are encouraging educators, families, and community members to help spread the word in hopes of increasing student participation this year.
