The First Annual CSI Performance Competition will take place on February 4.

In an effort to recognize the fine work being done by all string teachers in the Staten Island area, the College of Staten Island (CSI) Music Program of the Department of Performing and Creative Arts (PCA) is holding its first annual competition for young performers on orchestral strings and guitar.

Adding to the excitement of this musical celebration is the attendance of Staten Island Philharmonic Conductor Maestro Alejandro Guzman, who will serve as one of the judges of the competition, alongside Prof. Edward Brown and Dr. Dan Auerbach, competition coordinator, both from the Music Program at CSI.

The event, The College of Staten Island Performance Competition for Strings, is designed for solo performances and will be offered as a comprehensive event for all string instruments in two categories: middle school students (6th-8th grades) and high school students (9th – 12th grades) attending a Staten Island school.

There will be cash prizes for first-, second-, and third-place winners in each division (middle and high school). Honorable mentions will be made at the judges’ discretion, and first-place winners in both categories will be considered for a guest soloist spot in the CSI Orchestra’s 2017-2018 concerts.

Participants will have their photos appear in the Staten Island Advance, and parents and students will learn about the College throughout the competition day, scheduled for Feb. 4, 2017 in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall. For complete information and the brochure, please visit the PCA Web site. This will be an all-day event when students will view the campus, eat on site, and hear the winners’ recital at the end of the day.

The competition is sponsored by Dean Nan Sussman and the CSI administration, the Music Program of the Performing & Creative Arts Department, Valpak of Staten Island/Greater Brooklyn, and Strings & Other Things.