Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Fourth Annual "O, Say Can You Sing?" Competition

Winner to perform national anthem with BSO at Oregon Ridge

Baltimore, Md. (April 19, 2010) - "O, Say Can You Sing" the national anthem with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra? Capitalizing on American Idol's appeal among local tweens and teens, the BSO announces its fourth annual singing competition, "O, Say Can You Sing?" 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 Baltimore County's Oregon Ridge Park, July 2-3, 2011. The competition is open to singers age 8 to 18. Sarah Jacobs from the 106.5 FM JoJo, Reagan and the Mix Morning Show will serve as celebrity judge as well as BSO guest artist and general director of Baltimore Concert Opera, Brendan Cooke, alongside BSO staff members. Auditions will take place by appointment only on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. See below for registration and audition instructions.

Each year, as many as 60 contestants audition for the chance to sing the national anthem alongside the BSO. Last year, Baltimore School for the Arts student Scott AuCoin and former Miss Maryland Outstanding Teen Stephanie Meadowcroft snagged the coveted positions. These gifted youngsters not only performed with the BSO, but were also featured on several local TV and radio programs.

CONTEST DETAILS:
Auditions will take place by appointment only on Thursday, June 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Parental permission will be required of all contestants under the age of 18. Audition times will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. The competition is open to singers age 8 to 18. Contestants must be able to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the key of B-flat major (starting note is F) or A-flat major (starting note is E-flat) along with an accompanist provided by the BSO. Contestants will be judged on singing ability and stage presence.

To register, visit BSOmusic.org (under "About the BSO" dropdown box) to download a waiver form which is required to audition and fill in the online registration form. The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 31st at 11:59 p.m.