David Mei is looking at this year’s Dr. Robert Stanger Young Artists Competition as practice for the next stage in his life.

“It’s real good experience for college,” said the York Community High School senior, who is currently looking at university music programs.

This is the cellist’s third year participating in the competition which is put on by the Elmhurst Symphony Association.

Along with Mei, 20 high school students from towns throughout DuPage County and beyond (one violinist is from Oak Park), will perform for three judges from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Irion Hall at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

The public is invited to watch the instrumentalists perform their 12-minute concertos.

“Everyone wants to beat up on kids these days but there are some really focused and dedicated kids out there,” said John Allen, manager and coordinator of the competition named for a past president of both the symphony board and Elmhurst College. Allen estimates that the competition first began prior to 1969. 

The winner of the competition gets the opportunity to play in the first concert of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra 2008-2009 season in October. But before a first place finisher is announced, each player will receive critiques from the judges on what they did well and what needs work.

“Everything the judges point out is valid,” said Mei, who added that he has received some very helpful critiques in past competitions.
Allen, a former music teacher and symphony board member, changes judges from year to year.

“I usually get a string judge, one for piano and someone who is a conductor or a wind judge,” he said.

Those who place are also entitled to cash prizes ranging from $150 to $300 and the three runners-up will be given the chance to play for the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club and Elmhurst Symphony Auxiliary.