The River Cities Concert Band, in conjunction with the Plainwell Music Society, sponsors the annual James J. Hewitt Memorial Soloist Scholarship Competition.  In honor of Mr. Hewitt founding the RCCB in 1982, the band would like to award a $2000.00 scholarship to an outstanding young musician from this area.  The experience will include a performance with the RCCB at their spring concert in May and their concert in the park in Plainwell on the Wednesday after Memorial Day, sponsored by the Plainwell Music Society.  Auditions are held in February shortly after this area's District Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Auditions are open to the current year's Sophomore, Junior, and Senior class students.  We ask that each musician use their Solo and Ensemble festival selection as their audition piece.  Piano accompaniment is required if scored.  All wind instrumentalists and mallet percussionists are eligible.  The winner will be asked to perform a piece as a featured soloist with the RCCB!  They may also be asked as a second selection to perform their audition piece.

RCCB's mission statement charges us to encourage musicians to continue their musical expression.  We feel this scholarship is a great way to help appreciate and encourage young musicians to always keep music part of their lives!