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Local News - January 2003 |
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Vocal contest offers rewards By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer January 3, 2003 - Aspiring vocalists can win cash rewards in the first Heafner/Williams Vocal Competition. Robert and Carolyn Heafner Williams hope to inspire singers. “My husband and I both wanted to do something because we both sing,” Carolyn Williams said. Williams, originally from Lincolnton, lives in New Jersey with her husband. They still return to their home in Lincolnton periodically. Williams is a nationally-known soprano singer. But Williams still remembers the days before her success. She recalls entering and winning such competitions. “It’s very encouraging — especially as a young singer — to find that someone thinks you’re worthy.” The $3,000 in prize money isn’t a bad incentive either, she says. “It helps pay the rent when you’re not singing regularly.” Williams says she and her husband have been planning a competition for years. They are enthusiastic about “stirring up talent” in the area. To compete, singers must be between the ages of 17 and 40. A registration form must be submitted along with an audio cassette tape of three selections, a short biographical sketch and a $20 non-refundable entrance fee. The deadline is Jan. 15. “Someone still has two weeks to sing into a tape recorder,” Williams says. Finalists will be selected by judges in New York state. The second phase of competition will be April 12 and 13 at the Lincoln Cultural Center. Competitors will perform live for an audience and a jury. Admission to the competition will be free for the audience. The winner will receive $1,500. Second place winner will be awarded $1,000; and third place will win $500. Williams says she hopes the competition will be a success and become an annual event. “We’re stepping out on a limb this year to see what will happen.” They feel confident about their abilities and hope they can drum up the same confidence in area performers. “We have credibility in the singing world, as do our judges and jury.” ————— Entries should be mailed by Jan. 15 to HW Vocal Competition, P.O. Box 5805, Englewood, N.J. 07631. For entry forms or details, call the Lincoln Cultural Center, 704-732-9055.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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