BSO Announces Orchapella: A Singing Competition for A Cappella Ensembles

Winning ensemble receives the chance to perform pre-concert when the BSO presents Rockapella on July 7

Baltimore, Md. (June 9, 2011) -To celebrate Rockapella's performance at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announces Orchapella, the BSO's first-ever singing competition for a cappella music ensembles. Capitalizing on the obsession with choral singing ignited by the hit TV show, GLEE!, the BSO invites local singers of all ages to submit a YouTube video of their group performing a song of their choosing for the chance to win the opportunity to open for Rockapella at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

To participate, a cappella ensembles must fill out the form located at BSOmusic.org/orchapella, providing their contact information and a link to their video. Registration deadline is Tuesday, June 21. The BSO will select three semi-finalists and post their videos on the BSO's facebook site beginning Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. Fans can vote for their favorite video until voting closes at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5.  The winning ensemble may be featured in additional pre-concert publicity.

Rockapella
Founded in New York City in 1986, the a capella group, Rockapella, sings original vocal music and covers of popular hits. The group is best known as the jet-thrusters for the 295 episodes of the PBS kids television show "Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego?" The 10 million children who tuned in weekly during the show's heyday from 1991-1996 have created a powerful family fan base for the group. The show's theme song is still the group's most downloaded song.

The current Rockapella line-up features Scott Leonard (High Tenor), Jeff Thacher (Vocal Percussionist), George Baldi III (Bass), John K. Brown (Tenor) and Steven Dorian (Tenor). This line-up marks a regeneration of Rockapella whose talents cover a broad entertainment spectrum and are keenly focused on musical excellence. 
The group has made appearances on the PBS "Do It A Cappella" special hosted by Spike Lee.  They've also guest starred with Whoopi Goldberg. Rockapella's repertoire includes jingles for Folgers coffee and Almond Joy; custom promos for "Today Show" and an appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

COMPLETE CONTEST DETAILS
Who: A Cappella ensembles comprised of 2-10 members
What: Orchapella: A Singing Competition
How to apply: Applicants should fill out the online form and submit a link to their video at BSOmusic.org/orchapella by Tuesday, June 21 by 11:59 p.m. Voting will be open from Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.

COMPLETE PROGRAM DETAILS
BSO Summer Series: Rockapella
Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.-Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Rockapella
Orchapella winner

Tickets range from $30 to $60 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org.