Continue to scroll down beyond registration and ticket sales for information on the High School Vocal Competition............
Belt with Briana Master Class
Whether you're wanting to belt it out like a Broadway star or just get better at finding your own sound, you'll want to attend this intensive with Dr. Briana Sosenheimer!
Friday, September 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. $55
(+ PayPal transaction fee = $57.50)
9th Annual Songbook South High School Vocal Competition: Great American Songbook Edition 2024
featuring the Great American Songbook Edition Finalists and other special guests
Saturday, September 21, 2024 7 p.m. $25 adult
$15 student
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who may apply to participate in the Songbook South® High School Vocal Competition?
Songbook South® High School Vocal Competition is open to individuals between 14 and 18 years old as of January 1, 2024, who are enrolled in high school (or home school) grades 9-12 and are legal residents of the United States of America. Applicants may be required to provide proof of date of birth, high school enrollment and residency, upon request.
When is the application deadline for the competition?
When is the application due?
Applications and other audition media are to be submitted through www.getacceptd.com no later than Thursday, June 15, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST.
When will applicants be notified of acceptance into the competition?
All applicants will be notified via email on or before July 15, 2024. Upon being selected as a finalist, a request will be made for the remainder of your competition fees $250, and sheet music (in the correct key and arrangement) for your two songs. Competitors are expected to sing the same two songs they submit in their audition videos and may not change, unless two applicants apply with the same song choice, then they will be offered the opportunity make a different selection.
What is the cost of entering the competition?
Tuition for singers wishing to compete in the Songbook South Vocal Competition is $50, which includes the GetAccepted platform fee of $35, entry fee, workshop/master class attendance (non-refundable). Once you are selected as a finalist, the balance of $250 must be submitted on this page or to a Songbook South board member no later than August 1, 2024 (by midnight CST) or an alternate will be chosen. Program fees do not include any travel expenses to or from Songbook South®, food, lodging, or transportation during the Songbook South weekend.
What should I sing?
The September 2024 event, Songbook South® Inspriation Weekend, will focus on the works of "The Great American Songbook". Singers should choose two contrasting songs (ballad/up tempo) from this body of work.
What is "The Great American Songbook"?
"The Great American Songbook" refers to a body of American popular compositions, commonly referred to as "standards", from 1920 -1960. Music selections include those of the Tin Pan Alley Era, Broadway musicals and film. There are many references on the internet to learn about this genre and lists that will guide you in selecting songs appropriate for your voice and this competition. Please refrain from selecting "character songs" that require accents or other affectations of the voice that will not be a measure of your true vocal sound.
How should I submit my audition songs?
Your two contrasting songs should be presented in two separate audition videos that you will upload to the Acceptd platform on your profile page.
Acapella submissions will not be accepted, although you may have small areas of unaccompanied singing within your performance. You are expected to perform with accompaniment. You may use recorded accompaniment for your video submissions, however, you must be prepared to submit sheet music in your correct arrangement and key for both of your songs if you are chosen as a finalist, as the final phase of competition will require a live performance on stage with our accompanist.
* NOTE: We want to hear YOU and enjoy the quality of your performance. Do not apply any audio or video enhancement features to your videos.
Videos of live performances may be submitted for your initial screening. Videos of poor quality (audio or visual) will not be accepted and will result in disqualification.
Who screens/judges the applications?
Applications and competition performances will be adjudicated by a panel comprised of music industry professionals and educators. Adjudication will be based upon the following: Intonation, Diction, Phrasing, Rhythm, Stage Presence and Song interpretation. Applicants will receive written feedback on their submissions from the judges.
How are we evaluated during the Songbook South weekend event?
The afternoon masterclass participation will be assessed, in addition to the vocal competition performance to determine the top three awards. During the competition phase, judges and clinicians will evaluate the on stage interview questions, in addition to the performances given by each participant.
Immediately following the performances, the panel will deliberate, and the awards will be assigned.
May I sing songs that are different from the ones I recorded for my audition?
You are expected to sing the same two songs for the finals that you have selected to submit in your audition, however, if two finalists have a song or songs in common, the finalists will be invited to change their songs, if they desire, upon being announced as a finalist.
Where does the Songbook South Inspiration Weekend take place?
The Songbook South weekend will take place September 20-21, 2024 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The High School Vocal Competition phase will take place on September 20 & 21, 2024 with the final competition Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Am I required to attend the entire weekend of events?
Those who are competing in the vocal competition are required to attend all events on Friday and Saturday.
Where do we stay during the finals?
Performers are responsible for their own lodging, food and transportation during the weekend. You may find out more about the area at www.Shreveport-Bossier.org.
Is my family welcome to attend the events?
Yes, however, family members are required to purchase tickets if they are attending workshops, master classes or the competition.
Should I bring more than my two competition songs to the intensive?
We encourage you to bring extra music selections to the competition, should you feel it necessary to make a change in the early stages of working with the clinician/accompanist; do make sure the selections are from the Great American Songbook genre and you have the sheet music in the correct key and arrangements.
What should I bring to the workshop, masterclass and competition events?
Please bring pencils and a notebook for the workshop and master class. Comfortable, casual clothing is acceptable for the workshops, but please keep in mind that you want to look your best; there will be pictures taken of our event for future marketing. If selected to compete in one of the Songbook South Vocal Competitions, you are required to bring two extra copies of your music in the appropriate keys and arrangements, and formal attire for the performance; we suggest long dresses for the ladies and tuxes for the men.
Please keep your choice of formal attire refined and elegant, versus flashy or a choice that shows too much skin, as that will distract from your performance. Be careful of wardrobe fabrics that are too shear that, under spotlights, could show more than you'd want to be seen.
You are to provide your own lunch meals and snacks. You are encouraged to bring extra bottles of water and any other items (sweaters) that will make you comfortable during long hours of intense work in an air conditioned environment.
Am I allowed to use recorded accompaniment for the masterclass or competition?
Performers are not allowed to use recorded accompaniment for the master class or competition. A professional, accomplished accompanist will be provided, with whom you will be working prior to the time of the main competition. Once notified as a finalist, performers will submit sheet music for their selections, in the appropriate keys and arrangements, in advance of the competition weekend for said accompanist.
Top 10 participation guidelines
Please read the guidelines before entering the competition. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about the document: info@songbooksouth.org.
Online Registration for the
Carefully choose from the menu below. All sales are non-refundable and non-transferable.
All events will be held at the Hurley School of Music in Anderson Auditorium on the campus of
Centenary College of Louisiana
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Students applying for the competition will do so through GetAcceptd.com.
Click here to access our page on the GetAccepted platform, directly.
