Special Annual Events

The Inland Northwest Musicians Young Artists Competition will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, February 21st, 2027 at the Hermiston Community Center. This event offers young musicians the opportunity to perform, be adjudicated, receive cash awards, and possibly be selected to perform with the Inland Northwest Orchestra in concert on Saturday, May 1st, 2027 in Hermiston, OR

The competition is open to young musicians in four age categories:  Elementary Division (through fifth grade), Junior Division (grades 6-8), Senior Division (grades 9-12), and Young Adult Division (through age 25). All participants must have the recommendation of their private music instructor.

All participants will receive adjudication forms and certificates at the conclusion of the competition. Judging is based on quality of sound, technique, musicality, and overall performance. A division winner will be chosen from each division.  Division winners will receive $200 cash prizes and an invitation to perform in concert with the orchestra. Selected musicians will receive additional $100 awards on the day of their performance with the orchestra. Entrants chosen to perform with the Inland Northwest Orchestra must be available for rehearsals with the orchestra prior to the performance.

Entrants will not be permitted to win in the same division two years in a row unless their performance the second year is on a different instrument/voice than that of the previous year. Division winners may choose to perform for adjudication only in the following year, if desired.

Inland Northwest Musicians also offers an opportunity for people to learn a string instrument of their choice in a class environment. The Beginning Strings Class introduces students to the violin, viola, cello, or bass and teaches them the foundations. Students work with an instructor to refine and improve their newly learned skills in a fun environment with other students learning alongside them.

Past string instruction has been offered through Ukiah Schools in Ukiah, Oregon and in Hermiston Oregon through Hermiston Parks and Rec, at the ARC Building and at the Hermiston Adventist School.

Inland Northwest Musicians offer a musical experience for those that haven’t played an instrument for a long time and those that have been playing an instrument for only a couple of years.  One of the concerts performed in the season is called the Young People’s Concert.  This concert is performed in the Hermiston area by the Willow Creek Symphony and in the Wallowa Valley area by interested musicians from the Wallowa Valley as well as members of the Inland Northwest Orchestra, targeting students in 4th, 5th & 6th grades. 

The students in each area come to a central location and are introduced to the various instruments in the orchestra.  There is also an opportunity to ask questions before they listen to a few pieces that the group has prepared.  Sometimes they actually get to do a “Symphony Safari” by walking through the orchestra as they exit.