by Elizabeth Malovance
Last year saw the start of a new online music and creative arts festival called Rising Stars which turned out to be perfect timing. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and limitations on programs, Rising Stars served as a great opportunity for the territory since it allows participants to record entries wherever they are and submit them online. Digital accompaniments are available for free to all who do not have access to a live accompanist as well.
With an increase of more than four times the involvement, this year’s Rising Stars was a huge success! Participants of all ages submitted virtual performances in brass, drama, piano and voice. To expand opportunities for development, new composition categories were added encompassing submissions in brass, choral and songwriting. One of the benefits of the festival’s format is that it allows participants to submit performances in more than one category. Many chose to do this which maximized their growth across multiple disciplines.
All Rising Stars participants receive comments from three adjudicators, an overall rating and a certificate of participation. The adjudicators are made up of highly qualified individuals from across the globe and provide a great opportunity for our Rising Stars to learn invaluable personalized insights on their craft.
“Rising Stars has given a wonderful opportunity for Heartland Regional Music Schools and Heartland Online Music Education students to enhance and improve not only their music and creative arts skills but to use and share their talents to glorify God at their local corps,” said Peter Kim, Heartland divisional music and creative arts director.
Each year more solo selections and categories are available. Be sure to mark your calendars to participate in Rising Stars 2022 next spring.
For more information, visit samusiccentral.org.YouTube channel.
