The Wm. C. Byrd Young Artist Competition

       The St. Cecilia Society sponsors an international competition for young music artists on the first Saturday of March each year. The program rotates annually through strings, piano, winds and voice. Contestants must be 30 years old or younger for instruments and 34 years old or younger for voice. The competition takes place at the Flint Institute of Music. 

       The named competition began in 1971 with a $500.00 memorial gift for William C. Byrd who was the conductor of the Flint Symphony Orchestra at the time of his death. The prizes have grown to include a $6000.00 first prize, a $2500.00 second prize and three $1000.00 prizes to the runners-up. The winner has the opportunity to perform with the Flint Symphony Orchestra.

        To learn more about the Byrd Competition or to download an application, click here.

Student Scholarships

       In February, local music students of school age  and college music majors are invited to audition for St. Cecilia scholarships. They are judged by recommended  non-member music instructors who are paid for their expertise in evaluating the students’ performances. Each year, up to approximately $10,000.00 is given in prizes to a maximum of 25 students.

       The winners present a recital the last Sunday of February each year. (See Events for more information.)

Junior St. Cecilia and Student Musicale

       St. Cecilia Society sponsors student groups for young area musicians who share a love of music. Junior St. Cecilia serves students from fourth grade through junior high school, and Student Musicale is a group for students of high school age. The groups meet the first  Sunday of the month, October through April.

       To learn more about Jr. St. Cecilia click here!

       To learn more about Student Musicale, contact Delaina Oberman, doberman@thefim.org.

Community Music

       St. Cecilia Society members perform in hospitals, nursing homes and other such places to bring the enjoyment of music to people in the community throughout the year.