The Washtenaw Community Concert Band's ANNUAL CONCERTO COMPETITION awards a cash prize of $1,000 to the winner, who will perform their concerto with the WCCB in concert.

Applicants must be enrolled in grades 9–12 in a public, parochial, charter, or private high school located in Washtenaw County, be a member of the school's band or orchestra, and be a player of an instrument commonly used in concert bands. The applicant must have parental and band/orchestra teacher approval to apply. Music to be performed for the audition must be from the approved list. Prior approval from the WCCB Conductor and Music Director is required for any proposed substitutions (email concertoinfo@wccband.org). The initial round of judging is based on a video recording that the applicant posts on a non-public section of YouTube.

Ami Masuda
2026 winner

Chaminade's Concertino Op. 107 on flute

Ami’s musical journey began when she started playing the piano at the age of 7 under Mrs. Jusim Park in Bristol, UK, and her curiosity soon developed an interest and love of music. In 5th grade, Ami was first introduced to the flute in Buffalo, NY, and with the teachings of Miss Erin Keppner, flute and music have become an important part of her life.

In Buffalo, Ami was actively involved in music programs and honor bands where she annually participated in ECMEA, NYSSMA, and NYSBDA, and won the Rochester, NY, high school flute competition her sophomore year. Ami played as principal flute in her previous school’s wind ensemble and symphony orchestra, and would like to thank Miss Keppner and her former band director Mr. Timothy Buckley for their encouragement and support these past years.

After moving to Michigan in the summer of 2025, Ami is a junior at Pioneer High School and has played in the MSBOA All-State Band and the Michigan Music Conference with the Pioneer Symphony Band under the direction of Mr. Elliot Polot. Her private lesson teacher Mrs. Laura Latterner has introduced her to countless new opportunities and has always given her hope and trust to improve as a musician. Ami is extremely grateful to her mentors and fellow students for welcoming her into the Ann Arbor community and making her feel at home.

Outside of music, Ami enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, and studying aikido. This is her first concerto competition, and she is very grateful and excited to perform with the WCCB. Ami would like to thank Mrs. Latterner and Mr. Polot for all of their passionate guidance and support.