Saturday, March 1, 2025 - Cancelled
Martin Center for the Arts Powell Recital Hall
The Robert LaPella High School Vocal Competition honors the legacy of Mr. Robert
LaPella, a highly esteemed music professor at ETSU who taught from 1962 to
1997. This competition celebrates young vocal talent and promotes excellence in
classical performance.
The Competition is open to talented high school singers who:
Are currently enrolled in their freshman, sophmore, junior, or senior year of high school
Are no older than 19 years of age on the day of the competition
Participants may bring their own accompanist or request one through the competition.
If using the ETSU accompanist, Participants must send scores in PDF format in advance.
Scores should include clear marking for:
Breath marks
Intial tempo
Tempo changes
Minimal rehearsal time will be available with the accompanist. For financial assistance or to submit scores, contact Dr. Sun-Joo Oh
Contestants must own original scores of their repertoire. While original scores are not required at the competition, copyright laws must be observed.
Participants must prepare to present three musical compositions from standard classical and musical theatre vocal literature. The repertoire must include:
Selections from different periods, languages, and styles
At least one of the selections should be in English
Prizes are as follows:
1st Prize
$1000
$6000 Guaranteed minimum scholarship(s) package offer to enroll in the ETSU Department of Music as a music
major
($1500 for 4 years)
2nd Prize
$800
$4000 Guaranteed minimum music scholarship(s) package offer to enroll in the ETSU Department of Music as a
music major
($1000 for 4 years)
3rd Prize
$600
$2000 Guaranteed minimum music scholarship(s) offer to enroll in the ETSU Department of Music for applied
vocal lessons and choir. No requirement to major in music.
($500 for 4 years)
Most Promising Freshman or Sophomore
$250
After the competition has ended, winners will be announced. Each winner will select one piece from their repertoire to perform during the Winner's Concert
The competition is open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to sit in designated areas and enter or exit between the performances to minimize disruption and ensure a seamless experience for performers and judges alike.
For complete Rules and Regulations, click HERE.
Competitor Registration DUE: TBD
Please verify the application deadline for our competition on the application form
A non-refundable application fee of $30 is required
RegistRATION FORM
Registration Payment MUST BE RECEIVED IN ADVANCE.
No cash or checks will be taken at the check-in desk.
Payment can be made via credit card at:
PAYMENT MARKETPLACE
Payment by check should be made out to: East Tennessee State University
and mailed to:
ETSU Department of Music
Attn. Dr. Sun-Joo Oh
PO Box 70661
Johnson City, TN 37614
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