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Alyssa Porambo, 410.783.8044
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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces
Fifth Annual "O, Say Can You Sing?" Competition

Winner to perform national anthem with BSO at Oregon Ridge

Baltimore, Md. (March 13, 2012)- "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 fifth 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 3-4, 2012. 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 Tuesday, April 10 from 3 to 5 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, Christian Hoff from Towson, Md. and Christian Stewart from Waldorf, Md. 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 Tuesday, April 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 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/sing to fill in the online registration form and download a waiver form which is required to audition. The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 4, 2012.

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