GMYC Singing Stars! Celebrates Young Singers of the Monadnock Region

(Keene NH)   For three weeks in September, Monadnock Region youth will have the opportunity to take the stage and share their singing talent at the 1st annual GMYC Singing Stars! Competition.  The event will be held on Sunday, September 9, 16 & 23 from 3-5pm at The Marlborough House in Marlborough, NH. 
 
This is the first such event for the Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs (GMYC).  As the only nonprofit children’s singing program in the Monadnock Region, GMYC was searching for a fundraiser that fit its mission of encouraging young singers who may be interested in genres other than choral music.
 
Students (public, private and homeschooled) in grades 2-8 are invited to audition on Saturday, August 11 from 11am-1pm, and Thursday, August 16 from 5-7pm at the Waldorf School, 98 South Lincoln Street in Keene.  Registration packets will be available on site; arrive early to complete paperwork.  A non-refundable $25 registration fee can be paid online in advance or at the time of audition.  Performances of up to 90 seconds can either be acapella, or accompanied by a backing track on a phone or CD player (bring your own CD player.)  Experience is not necessary.
 
There are two divisions.  Younger children in grades 2-5 will compete as a Shooting Star, and youth in grades 6-8 will compete as a SuperNova.  Criteria for scoring will be commensurate with age.   Contestant notification will occur no later than Monday, August 20.
 
GMYC Artistic Director, Esther Rhoades, has invited well-known Vocal Instructor Joanne Mead to join her for the audition process.   “We are looking for singers from all genres who would like the experience of performing in front of an audience on stage, cooperating in a group, receiving performance feedback during the event and improving future singing opportunities. We strive to provide a supportive, encouraging environment for burgeoning singers.   Joanne and I both have a depth of experience and can’t wait to hear from interested contestants!”
 
In order to address first-time performers who might be nervous, scores from both Weeks 1 and 2 will be added together when choosing finalist performers from both divisions in the Week 3 finale.  The audience will also be able to vote.  Judges throughout the competition include Laina Barakat, Nicole Colson, Kristen Leach, Matthew McGinnis and Joanne Mead.  Final scores will be tallied and winners will be awarded cash prizes and trophies at the September 23 finale.
 
Professional sound and lighting will be provided by Erik Burke and Aime Theroux, and the event Emcee is local personality, Wade Garrett.  Snacks and drinks will be available.
 
Tickets can be purchased online beginning Tuesday, August 21 on the GMYC website.  There will be limited stageside table seating, as well as stadium seating general admission.  Doors open to the public at 2:30.   If you would like to be a parent volunteer, please contact us!  Email GMYC Administrative Director at [email protected] for more information. www.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org
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