Brody Grant ’21 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) and Erica Morchower ’20 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) have been selected as semifinalists for the third annual NextGen: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow vocal competition sponsored by the American Pops Orchestra in Washington, D.C.
The American Pops Orchestra (APO), directed by Maestro Luke Frazier, recently announced that these two Shenandoah University students will compete. Grant and Morchower were selected to join 30 semifinalists in Washington, D.C., in March, but the on-site competition needed to be postponed due to COVID-19. APO is known for its creative and out-of-the-box programming, so it is no surprise that it transformed the event into a virtual competition.
On Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 30 semifinalists from university programs will virtually compete to win the top title. Votes from a panel of judges and the virtual audience will determine the best voice of tomorrow. Anyone can register online to receive a link to watch the online competition. The program will be streamed online, with the semifinals and finals both beginning at 8 p.m. on their respective evenings. Winners will be announced live at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. Cash prizes will be awarded, and the first-place winner will be featured in an upcoming APO show in the 2020/21 season.
The Shenandoah community is invited to join the event and support Grant and Morchower. Registration is free, but a donation to support the cost of the event and prize money for the winners is appreciated. Visit www.eventbrite.com to register for the event.
Participating colleges and universities include American University, The Catholic University of America, Frostburg State University, George Mason University, Howard University, James Madison University, Liberty University, Marshall University, University of Mary Washington, Ohio University, Shenandoah University, Temple University, West Virginia University, and the College of William and Mary.
