ROCKPORT — Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School in Rockport will award eight prizes of $1,000 each to recognize and encourage young Maine music students who are serious in their study and performance of music. The Young Stars of Maine program is open to all music students ages 25 and under residing in Maine.

The application deadline is March 27; applications are available online at www.baychamberconcerts.org/music-school/young-stars-of-maine-prize-program/, by calling 236-2823, or in person at the Bay Chamber Music School office at 18 Central St. in Rockport. 

Selected applicants will be invited to audition Saturday, April 11, in Rockport and winners will participate in a Young Stars of Maine public concert Sunday, April 26, at 4 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House. 

"The Young Stars of Maine program is a great way to give dedicated students a big public pat on the back for all the hard work they do," said Monica Kelly, executive director at Bay Chamber, in a news release. "We're fortunate to have so many talented young people playing music here in Maine."

Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School has been awarding annual prizes for over 50 years. Previous prize winners have gone on to perform in international careers with the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra and other renowned institutions. 

Eight $1,000 prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Eleanor Erdman and Diane Nixon Vocal Excellence Prize
Solo vocalists ages 12-25.

A. H. Chatfield, Jr. Piano Prize
Solo pianists ages 14-22.

Summer Music Cello Prize
Solo woodwind ages 15-24.

Jean and Harvey Picker Senior Prize
Solo instrumental or vocal ages 18-22.

Elsie Bixler Junior Prize
Solo instrumental or vocal ages 12-17.

Ezra Rachlin Prize for Excellence
Solo instrumental or vocal ages 16-25.

Nathan E. Corning Jazz Prize
Solo or group instrumental or vocal ages 15-23.

Kathie and Marc Johnson Chamber Music Prize
Instrumental group of 2-8 players (shared prize) age 23 or younger 

To learn more about the Young Stars of Maine Program and Bay Chamber Music School, visit www.baychamberconcerts.org/music-school/young-stars-of-maine-prize-program/, email joan@baychamberconcerts.org, or call 236-2823.