​​Show us your talent, win up to $900, and appear at a symphony concert!

The 16th Annual Talent Among Us is a talent show featuring vocal and instrumental performers living right in our region! The Grand Prize Winner has the potential to take home $900, as well as appear with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in concert.

Do you have what it takes?

Apply now and let's discover the Talent Among Us!

​​Dates to remember

Friday, January 17, 2020 - Application Deadline for On line-Entry Form
Friday, January 17, 2020 - Application Deadline for Paper- Entry  Forms Due (mail in entry form with check, or email form to jaxsym@jaxsym.com and mail check separately)
Sunday, January 26, 2020 & Saturday, February 1, 2020 - Auditions held each day from 1:00-5:00 pm at Rammelkamp Chapel
Saturday, February 22, 2020 - TAU competition, 7:00 pm, Rammelkamp Chapel

​Categories

​​Mission and Objective

Youth (6-9 years) - entry fee $25
Junior Youth (10-13 years) - entry fee $25
Senior Youth (14-17 years) - entry fee $50
Adult (18+ years) - entry fee $50

​​Prizes

Awards Chosen by the Judges:
First Place in each category - $200
Second Place in each category - $100

People's Choice Award:
Given to the single contestant who receives the most audience votes - $200

Grand Prize Winner:
Winners from each category are also eligible for the Grand Prize. The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by the judges. The prize package includes $500 and may also be invited to perform and/or be recognized at a Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra concert.

​​Judges

To be announced soon!

The mission of the Talent Among Us competition is to provide a venue for regional emerging musical artists to showcase their talent and encourage them to continue to develop their musical talent. The competition's objective is to provide a meaningful and competitive talent contest which will attract a significant local audience, qualified judges, and local/regional business sponsors willing to fund the event. Talent will be recruited from area schools and colleges as well as local adult performers.

​History

The Talent Among Us contest was organized in 2001 by the Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Society. Originally envisioned as a fund raising event, to be held every three years, the competition attracted a loyal following of volunteers willing to help organize the event, a constant supply of local individuals interested in showcasing their talent, and a significant local business sponsors to help fund the awards and other expenses. The event was well attended by a loyal group of local supporters who appreciate the performing arts as well as attracting families and friends of the competitors. While not a significant fund raiser, the event was able to consistently cover all expenses and provide modest funds to support the Symphony.

​​Other Rules

View the full 2019 competition rules.

• Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
• Contestants must qualify for TAU competition at audition time.
• Contestant will be disqualified if audition time is missed.
• Registration fee is non-refundable.
• Audition pieces should be no more than 6 minutes in length.
• Contestants are responsible for accompanying music.
• Accompaniment must be live (no recordings accepted).
• Contestants will agree to the use of their name and photo for publicity purposes.
• Flash photography during the auditions or competition is prohibited.
• Recordings/tapings are allowed unless they interfere with the performers, judging, or audience enjoyment.
• Previous Grand Prize winners are not eligible to compete in subsequent competitions.
• Contestants are expected to show proper respect for other contestants, dress appropriately, appear on time, attend rehearsals and exhibit the demeanor that will contribute to the enhancement of the competition and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.