Entrant Meredith Hodson, 17, said she had been playing the violin since she was five years old, and competing in the challenge for nearly as long.

‘‘I play the violin because it’s a challenge and I love making music,’’ Meredith said.

‘‘[The] performance challenge is a really good opportunity to see where you’re at and gain really valuable performing experience, because you don’t get much opportunity to perform solo.

‘‘It’s a really good chance to test yourself I guess, because it’s really nerve-racking standing up there by yourself, or even in a group.’’

Meredith won the instrumental ensemble yesterday as part of a string quartet, and was competing in the grade 7 and 8 solo last night.

St Cecilia director Matthews Tyson said entrants could compete at either age level or music grade level.

‘‘What we are encouraging people to do is sort of beat their own standard,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a wonderful way to edge people into performing and competing and being judged by their peers.’’