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Recipients of the following awards are selected by the judges and receive a cash award. Cash awards are made possible by dedicated individuals, families, and organizations who are passionate about music and committed to supporting and recognizing the achievements of young artists. Cash awards are distributed to winners as checks made payable to the performers.

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​​Individual Awards

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are awarded in each instrument category, judged separately by age group (grades 7-9 and grades 10-12). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place carry cash awards of $100.00, $75.00, and $50.00, respectively.

• Individual entrants may also compete for an ensemble award.

• In the event there are fewer than 4 entries in a category/age group, instrument categories may be combined at the discretion of the competition committee. 

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Ensemble Awards

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are awarded to ensembles, with cash awards of $100.00, $75.00, and $50.00 to each ensemble member, respectively.

• Ensemble entrants may also compete for an individual award.

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Special Awards

• These awards honor distinguished community members and supporters of the arts, and their families, and are given at the judges' discretion. 

  • Mr. D Scholarship Award: $300

  • Bellingham Piano Award: $500

  • Gerry String Award: $200 

  • Gerry Wind Award: $200 

  • McDevitt Voice Award: to be announced

Feather Spearman Honor

The Feather Spearman Honor is a community service-based award in honor of Feather Spearman, who tirelessly served as the competition director for over 20 years. This award recognizes one student who has used their musical talent and passion for music to serve their community, a non-profit organization, school, faith-based organization, health care facility (such as a rehabilitation center, hospital, assisted living facility, or nursing home), or a similar entity. 

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• Eligibility: students are not required to perform in the general competition but must meet the age category requirement.

• The recipient is chosen by the competition committee and receives a cash award of $200.

• Qualified candidates will be interviewed by members of the competition committee at a mutually convenient time before the award is granted. If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian must be present during the interview. ​There is no application fee for this award. 

The Concerto Competition is keenly competitive, with judges selecting a single winner each year from all entrants, regardless of age or instrument. The winner receives a certificate for outstanding achievement in music performance, and is eligible and MAY receive an invitation to perform their solo with the Willimantic Orchestra in a 2025 concert, solely at the discretion of the judges.

• Eligibility: open to all solo and ensemble entrants. Previous concerto winners are eligible to compete for the award again in a different category.

• Competitors wishing to be considered must indicate this on the registration form and prepare an appropriate piece according to these guidelines:

  • The competition piece must be a piece with orchestral accompaniment.​

  • The audition piece must be a concerto movement, concertino, or showpiece with orchestral accompaniment.

  • The piece must not exceed 12 minutes in length.

• It is strongly suggested that the competitor perform with accompaniment during the competition.

• Vocalists should prepare songs which are developmentally appropriate, including art songs in any language, and selections from musicals, operetta, operas, and oratorios. Please note: Pop music and original compositions are not allowed.

• Ensembles must consist of 2-5 performers, all in grades 10-12. 

• The ensemble may include players of the same instrument, varying instruments, or any combination of such, including vocalists. 

• Each ensemble member may enter both individually and as part of an ensemble.