The Hoosier STAR vocal competition brings together amateur singers throughout the state to compete for recognition and cash prizes. Contestants are divided into two age groups: youth - 17 years old and under; and adult - 18 years old and over (at the time of auditions). Twelve finalists, six in each age group, will advance to the final event and the chance to win monetary prizes along with the title of 2013 Hoosier STAR winner.
The 12 Hoosier STAR finalists will perform along with the Hoosier STAR Orchestra, conducted by Philip Bauman on Saturday, September 14, 2012 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. Audience members will choose the final two winners in each age division based on that night's performances. First and second place in the Youth Division will receive $500 and $250 respectively. First and second place in the Adult Division will receive $1,000 and $500 respectively.
Registration forms can be found on the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra website at HoosierSTAR.com as well as by emailing HoosierStar@LCSO.net or calling 219-362-9020. Contestants are encouraged to pre-register for a guaranteed time slot. The registration fee for the audition is $20 per person. Audition applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2013 in order to receive a guaranteed time slot. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis during the audition dates.
Hoosier STAR is open to amateur soloists only; no duets or group performances may enter. For auditions, applicants may provide their own accompanist, use a CD with no lead vocals, or sing a cappella.
"This event brings contestants from across the state of Indiana and Southwest Michigan to sing their best for the audition judges," said Lee Bauman, Executive Director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. "Fortunately the committee secures very highly qualified vocal judges who are accomplished in all types of music. They spend two days hearing fantastic performances in all types of styles including: classical, Broadway, country, gospel, pop, rock, jazz, opera, or blues. It is an amazing process that has yielded some incredible shows."
"It is an absolute thrill to be able to help vocalists of all ages realize their dreams and provide the opportunity for them to perform for a live audience with the accompaniment of a full orchestra," said Sheryl Edwards, co-chair of the event. "The Hoosier STAR competition once again promises to be an amazing and entertaining event, full of outstanding musical talent and surprises."
WHAT: Hoosier STAR is a statewide vocal competition sponsored by Horizon Bank and NIPSCO. All proceeds from the event benefit La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Auditions, open to amateur singers of all ages and musical styles, are held to select 12 finalists who will compete for cash prizes at the September 14, 2013 event. The finalists perform with the Hoosier STAR Orchestra and winners are determined by audience vote.
WHO: A contestant of any age must be an amateur vocalist and must be a resident of the state of Indiana or Southwest Michigan.
WHEN: March 23, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm & March 24, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: La Porte Little Theatre, 218 A Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350
HOW: Preregister for a time slot with a $20 audition fee, checks made payable to La Porte County Symphony Orchestra.
The deadline for entry is March 15, 2013. Entries past this date are accepted, but requested time slots are not guaranteed. Walk-ins on the day of auditions will be worked into the schedule.
Online registration and payment is available here.
Hoosier STAR Audition
P.O. Box 563
La Porte, IN 46352-0563
