Schmidt Vocal Competition for High School Singers Will Be Held Oct. 5, 2019

Baylor University’s School of Music hosts prestigious singing competition that awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year

Media Contact: Terry Goodrich, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-3321
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WACO, Texas, Sept. 30, 2019 – Baylor University’s School of Music will host the regional division of the national Schmidt Vocal Competition — a prestigious singing competition for sophomore, junior and senior high school singers that awards scholarships to more than 150 people annually — at Roxy Grove Hall on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The event is part of the Schmidt Vocal Competition, a one-day competition held annually in 17 locations around the country, beginning in Waco. More than 500 students nationwide will perform in front of audiences in two rounds and participate in educational master classes with some of today’s renowned professionals between the preliminary and finalist rounds.

Singers compete for cash awards and scholarships, with winners in each location receiving $2,500 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,500 for third place, along with multiple encouragements and finalist awards. Competitors who win first, second or third places also are eligible for a matching scholarship to continue their music education at Baylor University.

“This is our eighth year on the Baylor University campus,” said Linda McAlister, executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts. “Participants come from across the region to compete. This year, while only 30 spaces were available at Baylor, we encourage those interested in competing in future years to attend simply to hear the quality of singers, learn from the master classes and explore the vocal programs at Baylor University.”

“This is a great opportunity for aspiring singers,” said Randall Umstead, D.M.A., associate dean for Academic Affairs. “Not only do they have the opportunity to compete for cash awards and scholarships, they have a chance to meet some of our exceptional faculty and students and explore the possibility of continuing their education here. Several students also will have opportunities to sing in a master class with our distinguished panel of judges from across the country.”

Joining Umstead as judges on the Baylor campus will be Penelope Bitzas, professor of music in voice at Boston University and singer RoseMarie Freni of the Metropolitan Opera.
The competition is open to the public and free. Attendees can come and go from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Roxy Grove Hall is in Waco Hall East, 600 James Ave., on the Baylor campus.

Media contact for information about the Baylor event is Randy Umstead, (254) 710-3661.

Media contact for information about Schmidt Vocal Competition is Linda McAlister, (513) 783-2583.

ABOUT THE SCHMIDT VOCAL COMPETITION

The Schmidt Vocal Competition has impacted the lives of thousands of young students over the past two decades, offering awards, scholarships and educational experiences for more than 150 students annually. The Schmidt Vocal Competition is held annually in 17 locations throughout the U.S. in partnership with regional colleges and universities and is open to sophomore, junior and senior high school singers. Competitors perform in front of a live audience in two rounds and participate in educational master classes with some of today’s most renowned professionals between the preliminary and finalist rounds.

Schmidt Competition participants have gone on to gain entrance into the world’s finest music schools and include winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the George London Competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards, Classical Singer, and the National Opera Association Award. The Schmidt Vocal Competition is funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation, which encourages aspiring young singers to pursue their passion in vocal arts and provides support and inspiration to future generations of singers.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. It provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. Baylor’s School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in performance, music education and academic majors, as well as doctoral degrees in church music. Degrees leading to the Bachelor of Music Education conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Visit www.baylor.edu/music to learn more.