Santa Clarita Philharmonic officials have announced they will hold a student concerto competition, according to their website.

The competition is open to Santa Clarita students grades 7-12 enrolled in the William S. Hart District, local charter schools or local private schools.

The winner of the competition will be invited to perform their concerto at the Santa Clarita Philharmonic’s May 17 concert.

“The mission of the Santa Clarita Philharmonic is to preserve the art of orchestral music while providing the opportunity for amateur, retired, professional, semi-professional and student musicians to have a rewarding outlet for their talent,” according to the organization’s website.

Auditions for the competition will be held January 17 in the William S. Hart High School Auditorium from 12-4 p.m.

Applicants must perform a piece that was originally composed for solo instrument and orchestra.

Each piece must be approved by the Santa Clarita Philharmonic before the audition.

Pieces that are longer than ten minutes may be approved for competition but may require cuts if chosen for performance.

Arrangements of nonclassical pieces will not be approved.

Students may perform only one piece during the audition, according to the website.

Applicants are encouraged to memorize their piece and are required provide one copy of solo material for the judges.

Students have the option to audition for “Critique Only” in order to receive written comments from the judges without being considered for concert performance.

Applicants are expected to perform with and to provide their own accompanist.

Applications to participate in the competition must be postmarked by Oct. 24 and received by Oct. 28 for consideration.

“The Santa Clarita Philharmonic is dedicated to the enhanced appreciation and understanding of orchestral music in the Santa Clarita Valley and the surrounding communities. This is accomplished by providing an open-door opportunity for musicians to play, learn and perform for others,” according to the nonprofit’s website.

The Santa Clarita Philharmonic is a community-based, volunteer symphony orchestra.

The orchestra consists of professional, semi-professional, avocational and student musicians from the Santa Clarita Valley and surround areas, according to their website.

It is a nonprofit organization supported by donations.

For more information about the competition as well as access to the application, visit the Santa Clarita Philharmonic’s website.