Rules and Application

1. Open to individuals in the following age categories:

   • Middle School Division: Grades 6-8

   • High School Division: Grades 9-12

2. Contestants must reside and attend a local middle or highschool program (homeschooling programs are permitted) in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, or Norfolk, Virginia.

3. Proof of school enrollment will be required in the form of:

   • Official Transcript or Report Card

   • Homeschool Documentation

   • Online School Enrollment Confirmation

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Preliminary Round Submission Guidelines:

1. A $30 fee will be assessed along with the application form.

2. All contestants must submit an audition video recording not to exceed 3 minutes. Late submissions will not be accepted.

3. The audition video recording must include one MEMORIZED song, performed with either a live accompanist or a recorded accompaniment track. Vocalists must recite the following during their performance recording. Failing to provide this information will result in automatic disqualification from the preliminary round.

   • Their first and last name

   • The name of their school and grade

     1. If homeschooled, the name of the school can be omitted.

   • Title of the piece, composer(s), and where the work is from (if necessary)

4. Video submissions must be uploaded via the provided Google Form: Submit Here (link to form)

5. Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV. File size must not exceed (e.g., 100MB).

6. All submissions will be notified if they have advanced no later than February 28, 2025. Judges sheets will be provided to all contestants and their vocal instructors (if applicable) following the Preliminary Round.

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Final Round – Live Performance:

1. The top three vocalists from each division (Middle School and High School) will advance to the final round, a live performance event. Two alternates will be selected in each category in case the three finalists are unable to participate for any reason. Finalists must respond confirming their participation in the live performance no later than March 5, 2025.

2. Contestants will perform their selected song accompanied by a live accompanist (provided by the competition or arranged by the contestant).

3. All participants in the final round will submit their sheet music via a Google Form provided at the time of notification.

4. All performances must not exceed 5 minutes and must be memorized. Failure to adhere to their guidelines will negatively influence the contestant’s score.

5. Vocalists must recite the following during their performance. Failing to provide this information will negatively influence the contestant’s score.

   1. Their first and last name

   2. The name of their school and grade

      1. If homeschooled, the name of the school can be omitted.

   3. Title of the piece, composer(s), and where the work is from (if necessary)

6. Live performances will take place on March 15, 2025 at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church.

Judging Criteria:

1. Middle School Division:

   • Selection level of difficulty -  10 points

   • Vocal quality, technique, and pitch accuracy – 40 points

   • Stage presence and performance – 30 points

   • Interpretation and expression – 20 points

2. High School Division:

   • Selection level of difficulty -  10 points

   • Vocal quality, technique, and pitch accuracy – 40 points

   • Stage presence and performance – 30 points

   • Interpretation and expression – 20 points

Prizes:

Each division will have three winners, announced at the conclusion of the live performance:

1. Middle School Division:

   • First Place: Trophy and cash prize ($150)

   • Second Place: Trophy and cash prize ($100)

   • Third Place: Trophy and cash prize ($75)

2. High School Division:

   • First Place: Trophy and cash prize ($350)

   • Second Place: Trophy and cash prize ($225)

   • Third Place: Trophy and cash prize ($100)

Application Process:

1. Complete the Application : 

2. Upload your audition tape as part of the application.

3. Pay the non-refundable application fee of $30 via Stripe. Application and audition tape must be submitted no later than February 21, 2025.                 

 

 

 

Important Notes:

1. Contestants selected for the live performance round will be notified by (February 28th) via email.

2. Contestants will have a 10 minute window of time prior to the live performance to rehearse in the performance space with their accompanist. Their vocal coach is welcome to attend this rehearsal and performance, but must not interfere with the judges during the live performance adjudication.

3. Contestants are required to dress in “Sunday Best” or “Business” Attire. Contestants wearing jeans, flip flops, tee-shirts, etc will not be permitted to perform.

4. Contestants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses for the live performance.

5. The decision of the judges is final and cannot be appealed. Judges sheets will be provided to all contestants and their vocal instructors following the live performance.

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