Budding musicians should mark two dates on their 2009 calendar if they want to perform with the West Virginia University Community Arts Orchestra.

The WVU Community Music Programs 2009 Catherine and Herman Godes Young Artist Competition will be Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall (Room 200A) of the Creative Arts Center.

The competition is open to outstanding high school seniors who want to audition for one soloists opening with the Community Arts Orchestra in its April 26 spring concert. The winner also will receive a cash award of $500.

Students have until Jan. 23 to submit an application that has been approved and signed by their private teacher.

Contestants will audition with one full movement of concerto and need to provide their own accompanist. The approval of a piece and availability of parts must be confirmed with conductor Jack Ashton before the audition.

Students must be available to perform at the scheduled Community Arts Orchestra spring concert and must be present at all rehearsals prior to the concert.

Herman and Catherine Godes, for whom the Young Artists Competition is named, formerly taught in the College of Creative Arts. Herman Godes, who died in 2007, joined the college as an artist-in-residence in 1960 and continued a long, distinguished performing and teaching career. Catherine Godes earned bachelors and masters degrees in piano performance from WVU and was formerly head of the WVU Community Music Program. She is currently director of piano studies at Tennessee Tech University.

For more information, contact the WVU Community Music Program office at 304-293-4841 ext. 3168 or 3185.