Belonging Congress to showcase the very best
Five years after its debut, Rising Stars is going live! Don’t miss your chance to participate in this exciting event or to encourage our up-and-coming music and creative arts leaders.
Come out and see the Central Territory’s premier musicians and performers from each division at the Belonging Congress in June.
“Rising Stars is an incredible opportunity for musicians and artists to grow in their skills and confidence, no matter where they are in their journey,” said Beth Malovance, assistant territorial music and creative arts ministries secretary. “It’s not about competing—it’s about learning, creating, and offering our best to God through worship.”
First held in 2020, Rising Stars began as an online solo exhibition for musicians to display their talent and skill in a number of instrumental and vocal categories. Since then, it has expanded to include drama, dance, and group performances in addition to solos. Rising Stars has come to serve as a vital resource, equipping participants to grow and become confident in their abilities, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the worship experience through vibrant, creative expressions of faith in every corps and center of the Central Territory.
Rising Stars features the following categories, encompassing beginners to advanced-level performers:
Musical Performance Solo: Four Levels
- brass
- vocal
- percussion
- piano
Creative Arts Solo: Two Levels
- dance
- drama monologue
Musical Performance Group
- beginner band
- youth band
- singing company
- youth choir
Creative Arts Group: Two Levels
- dance ensemble
- drama troupe
Leading up to the Belonging Congress, Salvationists are encouraged to showcase their gifts and talents in a divisional round of selection. Participant performance requirements for each category and level, including age ranges, required pieces/selections, uniforms, and time limits, along with detailed scoring guidelines for adjudicators, will ensure consistency of assessment across the board.
Each division will choose the top soloist or ensemble in each category and level. These outstanding performers will be invited to participate in the territorial round at the Congress on Saturday, June 7, where delegates will have the opportunity to watch, listen, and encourage the Central Territory’s finest talent. An awards ceremony will be held prior to the evening meeting.
“I’d love to see more people join us in this journey to develop their gifts and be part of a community that celebrates creativity and faith,” concluded Beth. “Whether you’re just starting out or have been performing for years, there’s a place for you in Rising Stars!”
For more information, visit samusiccentral.org/rising-stars.
To register for the Belonging Conference and Congress, visit www.belonging2025.org.