Ross-Roberts Competition for High School Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion

The 2025 Ross-Roberts Competition for High School Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion will take place in two stages. The Preliminary Round selects six students to perform in the Final Round. The Final Round selects three award winners.

For the Preliminary Round, you will choose one of the three options listed below. Apply early for Options B and C, because the number of openings is limited.

• Option A: Include a performance video in your application.
• Option B: On February 15, 2025, perform live with your own accompanist (or no accompanist).
• Option C: On February 15, 2025, perform live with an accompanist provided by FMMC. That morning, you will have a 30-minute rehearsal with the accompanist.

The Final Round will be a live competition on March 15, 2025.

Application

The Competition accepts online applications only. To apply, click the button below. If you have any questions or difficulties with applying online, please reach out to manage@fmmc.org.

Application Closes January 18, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Competition Dates

• February 15, 2025: Preliminary Round
• March 15, 2025: Final Round

Location for Live Competitions

Lutheran Church of the Reformation
212 East Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20003

[NOTE: Unfortunately, the Final Round Competition Date is also the date of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, which will require roadblocks in many city streets. Fortunately, the Lutheran Church of the Reformation is just outside the marathon area, so you can reach the church easily from the east. Parking is readily available there.]
Click here for Google Maps directions.

Fees

A $45 nonrefundable application fee is required by the deadline. Pay online through the application form using a credit card.

Eligibility

Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 who play woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments and live within 50 miles of Washington, DC. First-place winners from previous years are not eligible.

Awards

• First Prize: $1,500
• Second Prize: $1,000
• Third Prize: $700

Repertoire and Requirements

Woodwind & Brass Requirements

Choose a 15- to 20-minute program of three works, each from contrasting musical time periods (transcriptions acceptable) (See musical periods), while fulfilling the additional requirements listed below. At least one work must be memorized.

• At least one must be in the style of Baroque, Classical, or Romantic.
• At least one must be in the style of Impressionist, Expressionist, Modern, Postmodern, or Contemporary.
• At least one must be a fast movement of a major concerto or single-movement concertino.
• One must be unaccompanied, 2- to 5-minute duration (an etude is acceptable).
• All works must be currently published.

Percussion Requirements

The performer must provide all percussion equipment. Choose a 15- to 20-minute program of three works fulfilling the requirements listed below. At least one work must be memorized.

• At least one Snare solo
• At least one Mallet solo using four mallets, or Timpani using four drums

Accompaniment

Any selection written to be accompanied MUST be performed with an accompanist. Contestants may use an accompanist provided free by FMMC or may use their own.

Contact

John Hoven and Kayondra Reid
Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion Competition Co-Chairs
highschoolwind@fmmc.org

2024 Winners

Congratulations to last season’s winners!

First Prize:
Louis Westerman (Clarinet)
Walt Whitman High School, 11th grade

Second Prize:
Lydia You (Oboe)
River Hill High School, 11th grade

Third Prize:
Rishab Jain (Percussion)
River Hill High School, 11th grade

Honorable Mentions:
Michelle Pan (Flute)
Winston Churchill High School, 11th grade
Martin Meister (Trombone)
Centennial High School, 11th grade