The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) is holding auditions for the 17th Annual Hoosier Star competition. Sponsored by Horizon Bank, NIPSCO, Northwest Health and Duneland Media, Hoosier Star is open to amateur singers of all musical styles and ages. Competitors can compete individually or as a duet. Auditions times will be held at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G Street, La Porte, Saturday, March 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CDT) and Sunday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CDT).
The Hoosier Star competition brings together amateur singers throughout Indiana and Berrien County, Michigan to compete for recognition and cash prizes. Contestants are divided into two age groups: Youth Division (17 years old and under) and Adult Division (18 years old and over) at the time of auditions. Ten (10) finalists, five (5) in each age group, will advance to the final event and the chance to win monetary prizes along with the title of 2022 Hoosier Star Winner.
The ten (10) Hoosier Star finalists will perform along with members of the LCSO and Music Director, Dr. Carolyn Watson, on Saturday, September 17 at La Porte’s Civic Auditorium. Audience members and a panel of judges will choose the final two winners in each age division based on that evening’s performances. 1st and 2nd place in the Youth Division will received $1,000 and $500 respectively. 1st and 2nd place winners in the Adult Division will win $1,000 and $500 respectively, too.
Audition forms can be found at WWW.LCSO.NET/EVENTS/HOOSIER-STAR/. Contestants are encouraged to pre-register for a guaranteed time slot. The registration fee for the audition is $20 per person or duet. If a competitor would like to audition as a soloist and a duet, the competitor must submit two separate audition forms, including separate fees. Audition applications must be received by March 15 in order to be eligible and to receive a guaranteed time slot. Walk-in auditions will be available at the end of each day.
Joseph Giuliani * 2021 Hoosier Star - Youth Division Winner * Image Credit: Bob Wellinski, Photographer
Jarynn Sampson * 2021 Hoosier Star - Adult Division Winner * Image Credit: Bob Wellinski, Photographer
Hoosier Star is open to amateur soloists and duets only; no group performances may enter, and both competitors in a duet must be from the same age division. For auditions, applicants may provide their own accompanist, or supply a digital mp3-4 capable device. Acapella singing will not be allowed. A contestant of any age must be an amateur vocalist and must be a resident of the state of Indiana or Berrien County, Michigan. For more information and to download an audition or rule form please visit WWW.LCSO.NET/EVENTS/HOOSIER-STAR/ or contact hoosierstar2018@gmail.com or call 219-362-9020. Applicants will be notified of their assigned audition date and time within a week prior to the auditions.
About LCSO: The mission of the LCSO is to enrich the lives of people of all ages within and beyond La Porte County through the experience of excellent live orchestra performances. The LCSO is also supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts, What's New La Porte, The Beacher and WIMS AM 1420, 95.1 FM, 106.7 FM, 96.7 The Eagle, Rock 106.5 and Art on the Air WVLP 103.1 Radio. Visit us at: www.lcso.net.