2012 VSA International Young Soloists Award
Call for Musicians!
Deadline: November 18, 2011
2012 Young Soloists Application & Guidelines
For more information on how to apply, visit www.vsarts.org/soloists
Young Soloists Award Competition
Since 1984, the VSA International Young Soloists Program has been seeking to identify talented musicians who have a disability. The VSA International Young Soloists Award is given annually to four outstanding musicians, two from the United States and two from the international arena. The award provides an opportunity for these emerging musicians to each earn a $5,000 award and a performance in Washington, D.C.
Any individual musician (instrumental or vocal) living in Alabama who has a disability, age 25 and under, is eligible to apply. Applications from ensembles are also accepted. All types of music are encouraged, including but not limited to rock, pop, indie, classical, country/folk, jazz, R&B/blues, hiphop/rap, Latin, and world. Each October, guidelines and applications are issued, with the live competition traditionally occurring in December in Birmingham. The winner and runner-up reign for the following year. Please contact the Program Manager for more information.
VSA Alabama is one of very few state affiliates who implements its Young Soloists competition in front of 3 judges and a live audience. Each state forwards its top two contestants to the national competition for consideration. In 2003, the Alabama Young Soloists Award Winner, Laura Dodd, was one of the two contestants chosen to win the national competition! She has even released her own country music album since then. The VSA Alabama Young Soloists Award Competition is comparable to the “American Idol” for people with disabilities in Alabama. It is a very exciting, heartwarming music event!
2011 PARTICIPANTS:
Tyler Spann (pianist)- 2011 Young Soloist Winner
Micaela Burney (Viola player)- 2011 Young Soloist Runner Up
Raymond Guajardo (Vocalist)
Wes Scott (Guitar and Vocalist)
Erica Barnes (Vocalist)
Michael Aguilar (Vocalist)
Keyunna Maddox (Vocalist)
Mike Thomas with his band, Mike-aroni and Cheese (Rock Band)
Anna Calhoun (Vocalist)
Kaitlyn Holman (Vocalist)
Joseph Dumas (Vocalist & Pianist)
View this year’s program: Young Soloist 2011 program
