Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces “Oh, Say Can You Sing” Competition for Ages 8-18

Winner to sing national anthem with BSO at Oregon Ridge Park’s Star-Spangled Spectacular, July 3-5

Baltimore, Md. (May 14, 2008)—“ Oh, Say Can You Sing” the “Star-Spangled Banner” with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra? Capitalizing on American Idol’s appeal among local tweens and teens, the BSO will launch a singing competition, “Oh Say Can You Sing,” on Monday, June 9, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Instead of a recording contract, contestants will vie for the chance to sing the national anthem alongside the BSO in front of thousands at the BSO’s annual Star-Spangled Spectacular concerts held at Oregon Ridge Park, July 3-5. The competition is open to young people ages 8 to 18. See below for complete contest rules.

For auditions, contestants must be able to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” in the key of B-flat or A-flat Major along with an accompanist provided by the BSO. Reagan Warfield from the 106.5 FM Mix Morning Show with Jo-Jo and Reagan will serve as celebrity judge alongside the BSO staff and local vocal experts. Contestants will be judged on singing ability and stage presence.

Auditions will be by appointment only and parental permission will be required of all contestants under the age of 18. Contestants (or contestant’s parent/guardian) must email singingcontest@bsomusic.org by midnight on Friday, June 6 to register for an audition time. Registration must include the contestant’s name, email address, home and cell phone numbers, town and neighborhood, audition time preference, and a brief paragraph explaining why the contestant would like to sing the national anthem with the BSO. Audition times will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis. Visit http://www.bsomusic.org/main.taf?p=3,16 to download an information/waiver form which must be brought to auditions, and to view full contest rules.

For more than 30 summers, the BSO has performed evening concerts at Oregon Ridge Park located in Cockeysville. For its annual Star-Spangled Spectacular, conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos will lead the BSO in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, the national anthem and other patriotic tunes choreographed to fireworks.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important orchestras. Acclaimed for its uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence, the Baltimore Symphony has attracted a devoted national and international following while maintaining deep bonds throughout Maryland through innovative education and community outreach initiatives.

The BSO made musical history at the start of the 2007-2008 season, when Maestra Marin Alsop led her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra’s 12th music director, making her the first woman to head a major American orchestra. Maestra Alsop’s arrival marks the dawn of a new era for the BSO, as she brings her highly praised artistic vision, her dynamic musicianship and her commitment to accessibility in classical music to BSO audiences.

CONTEST INFORMATION
“Oh, Say Can You Sing”
Monday, June 9, 2008, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.—Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

• Auditions are held by appointment only.
• All contestants (or contestant’s parent/guardian) must email singingcontest@bsomusic.org by midnight on Friday, June 6 to register for an audition time. Email should include contestant’s name, email address, home and cell phone numbers, town and neighborhood, audition time preference, and a brief paragraph explaining why the contestant would like to sing the national anthem with the BSO.
• Audition times will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. Visit http://www.bsomusic.org/main.taf?p=3,16 to download an information/waiver form which must be brought to auditions, and to view full contest rules. 

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