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Berkshire Young Singer of the Year – Singing Competition 2024
The Berkshire Young Singer of the Year competition is back for 2024. Berkshire Music Trust, in partnership with Windsor Festival and Bradfield College, is this year running a competition for singers to showcase their talent and win prizes alongside others of a similar age. This competition is open to young singers aged up to 18 in the following categories:
- Classical Singing
- Musical Theatre & Pop Singing
- Folk Singing (unaccompanied)
Competitors will follow a three stage process of round one, semi-final and final. The live concert final for will take place at The Old Court in Windsor.
First round – Video entries submitted by Sunday 26th November 2023
Semi Final – LIVE Sunday 4th February 2024 – Bradfield College
Final – LIVE Sunday 10th March 2024 – The Old Court, Windsor
How to apply:
Entry to the competition is open to any student aged 18 or under on 10th March 2024 who can tick at least one of the following criteria:
– A permanent resident of Berkshire
– Attending a school within Berkshire
– Currently receiving vocal tuition within the county of Berkshire
CATEGORIES:
– Classical (Ages 12 and under) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Classical (Ages 13 – 15) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Classical (Ages 16 – 18) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Musical Theatre & Pop (Ages 12 and under) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Musical Theatre & Pop (Ages 13 – 15) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Musical Theatre & Pop (Ages 16 – 18) = You will need to perform one piece lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Folk (Ages 12 and under) = You will need to perform one piece unaccompanied lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Folk (Ages 13 – 15) = You will need to perform one piece unaccompanied lasting no more than 5 minutes
– Folk (Ages 16 – 18) = You will need to perform one piece unaccompanied lasting no more than 5 minutes
ENTRY FEES You may enter more than one category:
- 1 category = £ 15.50
- 2 categories = £20.50
- 3 categories = £30.50
APPLY here for the Berkshire Young Singer Competition and
PAY your entry fee here
(Please select the singing competition and choose if you are applying for 1, 2 or 3 categories!)
After you have completed the form and paid your entry fees please submit your video entry (see the guidelines below) and send an email containing the video link to bymadmin@berksmusictrust.org.uk by 11.59pm Sunday 26th November 2023
Please see our Terms and conditions for full details of entry requirements.
Financial support is available if you would find it difficult to meet the cost of the registration fee. If you are already in receipt of Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance (income based only), Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits or Universal Credit, you can request funding support by providing us with proof of the benefit you are receiving. If your child is entitled to Pupil Premium you can request help along with your child’s school submitting confirmation to us of the entitlement.
Video guidelines
We have made the first round of entry as easy as possible through a video entry system so please see our advice below on how to record and upload your video. Please read the information carefully before submitting your video to us, should you have any further questions, please contact us via email on bymadmin@berkshiremaestros.org.uk
When do I submit my entry?
Links to video entries must be submitted via email by 11.59pm Sunday 26th November 2023. You should not exceed the time limits specified for your entered age category.
What if I don’t have access to a video camera?
Most smart phones and tablets now have good video recording capabilities should you not have access to a video camera. However, should you have any particular difficulties and neither yourself nor your instrumental teacher can record your entry via video then do contact us and we can assist by recording your entry with our own equipment at one of Berkshire Maestros music centres.
Does my video entry need to be performed with an accompanist?
No it doesn’t. We would always encourage entries with piano or backing track where appropriate (with the exception of the folk categories), however the judging panel will not penalise video entries without accompaniment. Do see our Terms and conditions for guidelines on accompaniment in the later rounds.
How do I upload my entry?
Depending on how you recorded your video the upload process will be different. If you would like some guidance on how to upload your video, have a look at this video here.
Do I have to use YouTube?
There are various other websites now available to upload and view videos such as Vimeo. However, if it is your first time using one of these services then we would suggest YouTube as most information on how to post and share a video is based around that. You will need an account with whichever service you choose to upload your video entry with.
I don’t want my entry viewable to the public – how do I prevent this?
YouTube has multiple privacy options available. For us to be able to view your video you will need to set your recording to either ‘Public’ or ‘Unlisted’. ‘Public’ means the video will be able to be found and viewed by anyone online via a YouTube or internet search. ‘Unlisted’ however will not be able to be found via search options but can be viewed by those you have shared the video with via the link provided to you by YouTube, meaning you can share your entry with us without anyone else being able to search for it.
I’ve uploaded my video, now what?
Please email the sharable link of your video to bymadmin@berkshiremaestros.org.uk .
In the subject line please include the words “Video Entry” followed by the candidate’s name and age as of 10th March 2024. For example:
Video Entry: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Age 10
Don’t forget to attach a scanned copy of the music being performed in the video along with the video link.
Videos must be submitted by 11.59pm Sunday 26th November 2023.
Prizes and feedback:
– All first round entrants will receive written feedback on their performance from the panel of judges.
– Semi-final participants will receive feedback and a certificate.
– Category winners will receive feedback, a certificate and a plaque.
– Judges Highly Commended will receive a certificate
– The overall winner will receive the title of Berkshire Young Singer of the Year 2024, the Berkshire Young Singer Trophy, along with feedback, a certificate and a future performance opportunity plus £100 off a purchase on Musicroom, thanks to Hal Lenoard Europe.
We are grateful for the support from Windsor Festival in running the competition. Windsor Festival invites the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists, and local performers to entertain and delight festival audiences, to celebrate Windsor’s special place as a Royal town, and to inspire the next generation of artistic talent and creativity.
Also we would like to thank:
- Bradfield College for their partnership in this competition and for them providing us with a venue to hold the semi finals.
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