The John Kamarer Youth Soloist Competition
Before his untimely death, John Kamarer was a long time member of the Peoria Municipal Band playing alto saxophone and serving as the band manager. John was also the band director at Central Junior High in District 86 for many years. His love of music and his desire to inspire young musicians lives on through this annual competition.
Caleb Barnes is a 17-year-old flutist entering his senior year at Richwoods High School who has been performing for seven years. He studies privately with Cindy Silver and has been selected for the Illinois All-State Band all three years of high school. Caleb serves as principal flute of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. In addition to his ensemble experience, Caleb won the 2025 Central Illinois Youth Symphony concerto competition and the 2026 Prairie Wind Ensemble student solo competition. Last summer, Caleb attended Birch Creek Summer Music Academy and will return again this summer to continue his musical studies. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a double major in music performance and another music-related field.
Past Winners
2025 – Natalie Loring, flute, Metamora High School
2024 – Luke Kelly, euphonium, Washington High School
2023 – Samantha Schweizer, alto saxophone, Washington High School